Foldable Wall-Mounted Desk
Project Details
Project Overview
Project Name: Foldable Wall-Mounted Desk
Role: Designer & Modeler Tools Used: SolidWorks, Microsoft PowerPoint, Photoshop
Duration: March 2025 – May 2025
Category: Furniture Design / Space-Saving Solutions
Brief Description
– Create a compact, ergonomic desk that folds neatly against the wall.
– Use durable and lightweight materials for ease of use.
– Ensure the design supports typical work equipment (laptop, books, stationery).
– Integrate safety and stability features to support weight and frequent use.
– Design a mechanism for easy folding and unfolding with smooth motion.
Design Features
Dimensions:
– Desk surface (open): 90 cm width × 50 cm depth
– Folded profile thickness: 10 cm
– Height from floor when open: 75 cm (standard desk height)
Materials:
– Desk surface: MDF with laminate finish
– Frame & hinges: Powder-coated steel
– Folding mechanism: Gas spring or robust hinge system
Functionality:
– Foldable design for space efficiency
– Wall-mounted installation with hidden brackets
– Safety lock to secure the desk in open and closed positions
– Cable management slot for electronics
Design Process
1. Concept Sketching: Initial hand-drawn sketches exploring the foldable mechanism and proportions.
2. 3D Modeling: Created detailed SolidWorks models with assemblies, showing individual components.
3. Stress Analysis: Performed static load simulation in SolidWorks to ensure strength and stability.
4. Prototype Planning: Developed a parts list and estimated manufacturing cost.
5. Final Renderings: Produced photorealistic renders and exploded views for presentation.
Technical Data & Calculations
Visuals
1. Concept Sketching: Initial hand-drawn sketches exploring the foldable mechanism and proportions.
2. 3D Modeling: Created detailed SolidWorks models with assemblies, showing individual components.
3. Stress Analysis: Performed static load simulation in SolidWorks to ensure strength and stability.
4. Prototype Planning: Developed a parts list and estimated manufacturing cost.
5. Final Renderings: Produced photorealistic renders and exploded views for presentation.
Challenges & Solutions
– Challenge: Designing a folding mechanism strong enough to support typical loads without compromising smooth operation.
Solution: Selected gas springs and reinforced hinges to balance strength and ease of use.
– Challenge: Minimizing desk thickness when folded.
Solution: Integrated wall-mounted brackets that double as structural support, reducing overall thickness.
Future Improvements
– Integrate USB charging ports and LED desk lighting.
– Use lighter composite materials for easier installation.
– Develop modular accessories like pen holders and document trays.
Conclusion
This foldable wall-mounted desk project successfully combined functional design, engineering analysis, and aesthetic considerations to produce a practical solution for small-space working environments. The SolidWorks model and simulations provided valuable insights into structural performance and usability.