David Eberlein is a Coalesse product engineer who helped bring the Potrero415 Table to market. We asked David to share some insights into what makes this new product, now available for order in North America, unique.
From an engineering perspective, what is unique about the Potrero415 Tables?
When it comes to the Potrero415 Tables, the unique feature is certainly the leg. The long and slender legs are the focal point of the table and also hide cords and cables. The legs have hollow cavities and bays, so we have the ability to run power and data cables through the leg to this floor. This allows users to enjoy the beauty of the table while supporting all their technology needs. The user can also adjust the leg ring with relative ease to level the table on uneven surfaces.
Did you face any challenges during the engineering process?
One challenge we continued to face throughout the project was balancing the visual requirements of the Potrero415 Table line with the functional needs and available materials and manufacturing processes.
For instance, we had the opportunity to use some existing parts, but this decision created some limitations to ways we could solve for assembly and functional requirements.
The large table sizes also created some very high force conditions on the leg and its connection to the table. Solving for this took several iterations and a lot of testing.
We had some challenges regarding the finishing (painting) of the legs, too. Due to the material mass and heat needed to obtain a good paint finish, the Steelcase finishing experts spent a lot of time working on a process to ensure a visually consistent and durable finish that would meet the Coalesse expectations.
While we were working through all these challenges, we were also engineering for future waves of the product line.
What did you find interesting about engineering this product line?
The very large sizes included in the table line were unique as Potrero415 Tables come in lengths up to 16 feet. Also, the leg and adjustable glide feature have a lot of hidden assembly details, yet they maintain the slim and sleek look created by the Coalesse Design Group.
How would you describe this project to a fellow engineer?
Even though this project might be viewed as “just a table,” engineers should always look for opportunities to innovate. Innovation can come in many forms. For instance, the communication methods between the Coalesse Design Group, located in San Francisco, and the engineers, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were some of the best I‘ve seen.
We were also able to create a cord/cable retention feature inside the table leg that we submitted for a patent.
In your opinion, what are the best features of the Potrero415 Tables?
I would point to three features. First, the sleek look of the table. Second, the function of the leg and glide. The legs discreetly run cords to the floor, and the glide is easy for the user to adjust. Third, the next release of the product line will create a nice variety of sizes, materials and heights.
