Rail Desk Organizer

While arranging my desk for school, I noticed how limited I was in different ways I could set up my items, and how time-consuming it was to transition to a different setup. When organizing, I could set stuff on it, stack that stuff, or put stuff underneath it. If I wanted more finesse with the organizational elements, I was restricted to off-the-shelf organizers that didn’t quite fit in with what I was looking for. In the end, I decided what was needed was more modularity in the desk itself.

This Instructable will take you through my process of designing that modular system for a multi-use desk.

Required:

• Autodesk Fusion 360

Also Used:

• Autodesk Sketchbook
• Adobe Photoshop

There are a number of desks on the market that assist with organization. However, they seem clunky to use by involving lots of hardware or only cater to performing one specific task.

I wanted a woodsy industrial feel on this one. A combination of wood and steel seemed right. I compiled some images from the internet, see the image notes for the aesthetic inspiration I drew from each.

Here are some quick thumbnail sketches as I explored the form of the table, leg shape, and "rail" system. I got the idea for the rail system from a combination of a couple of things. T-slot tables on CNC machines, and trains.

The first thing I modeled in Autodesk Fusion 360 was the desktop. For the rail system, I decided simplicity was best. A series of 3 slots cut with a 3/8" ball endmill help locate the accessories and allow for easy configuration. At this time I also decided to add a couple more features: A phone stand and wireless charger. The desktop starts life as a solid oak board before being machined.

Next up was to model the legs, with utility and form in mind. I decided to use a modular plate system for a number of uses. The hex grid was cut out to allow for cable ties to be used. The plates are attached via, magnets, held inside of end pieces. I chose to use magnets & plates so the user can move things around as they wish, without any tools. In later renders, you will also see wood "pegs" that fit into the hex plates and allow to hang items such as a backpack. The main structure of the legs and plates is stainless steel, while the end pieces for the plates are injection-molded plastic.

Last up was to model the accessories that will "locate" in the rail. Below is a list of what I decided to include. The accessories are a combination of injection-molded plastic and wood.

• Riser Mount for a Monitor
• Headphone Stand
• Pen/Marker Holder
• Pencil Cup (SM/LG)
• Sticky Note Holder (SM/LG)
• Split Rectangular Tray
• Ruler/Measuring Tool Holder
• Drink Coaster

Here is the full assembly. Everything fits together with zero hardware.

I wanted to make sure the rail system worked as intended, and the second revision is what you see here. Everything is "located" on the desktop but not locked in place by any means. It slides easy, very simple to reconfigure, and they can also stand on their own if not used with the rail system. 3D printed on an Ender 3.

Here are some more renders of the final product. I wanted this desk to be multi-use, emphasizing modularity to cater to the needs of the student and/or working professional.

Here are some small details of the desk that bring the project together.

I also considered shipping this desk, and a goal at the beginning was to use zero hardware and keep simple assembly in mind. The entire desk packs very flat and nests well.

Overall, I am very happy with this project and left room for growth. This one was tailored more towards a student's office desk, however would love to explore this concept further on a workbench-style desk used for making things!