Adjustable Acoustic-Dome Workstation for Open-Office Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Open office designs, such as cubicle farms and traditional standing desks, fail to address privacy and health concerns, including the 'prairie dog effect,' ergonomic incompatibility, and inefficient use of space, while existing solutions like adjustable support structures and privacy enclosures do not adequately provide privacy or ergonomic solutions for all users.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable height workstation with a selectively removable acoustical dome for privacy, integrated cable management, and customizable features like anti-microbial laminates and I-Fit software for ergonomic adjustments, which also incorporates telescopic legs to meet ergonomic standards and manage accessories and cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If open office design with cubicle farms is used, then office space is optimized and teamwork is fostered, but employee privacy is compromised and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation is divided into modular components including an acoustical dome, desk surface, and privacy screen that can be independently adjusted. The acoustical dome segments the acoustic space to provide privacy while maintaining visual openness, resolving the contradiction between open space and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation incorporates adjustable height mechanisms and movable privacy screens that allow employees to dynamically change their workspace configuration. This dynamic adaptability enables employees to optimize their environment for both collaboration and focused work, thereby maintaining productivity in an open office setting.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional standing desks are used, then health benefits of intermittent standing are provided, but ergonomic compatibility for different users is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The desk incorporates an adjustable height mechanism that allows each user to customize the desk height to their specific ergonomic requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures proper ergonomics for users of different heights while maintaining the health benefits of intermittent standing.
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation design serves multiple functions: it provides standing height adjustment for health benefits, seated height adjustment for ergonomic comfort, and integrated acoustical privacy. This multi-functionality makes the solution universally applicable to diverse user needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable support structures are added to existing desks, then sit-stand functionality is provided, but weight capacity is insufficient for dual monitors and accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent adjustment mechanisms that distribute the weight load. The desk surface, monitor arms, and keyboard tray are separately supported, allowing each component to bear appropriate loads while maintaining overall structural integrity for dual monitors and accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the height adjustment mechanism with a robust structural frame that integrates support for dual monitors, keyboard trays, and other accessories. This merging of functions into a unified structure provides both sit-stand functionality and sufficient weight capacity.
4Ease of manufacture
If non-adjustable desks are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ergonomic standards cannot be met for all users
Solution Approach 1:
The desk incorporates height-adjustable mechanisms that allow post-manufacturing customization to meet ergonomic standards for different users. This dynamic capability is integrated into a standardized manufacturing process, balancing ease of production with ergonomic adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel workstation incorporates an acoustical dome for increased acoustic and visual privacy for the user. The workstation further is adjustable in height such that it is able to accommodate a range of users from the 5th percentile seated female to the 95th percentile standing male according to the dictates of ANSI/HFES100-2007 national ergonomic standard. The workstation is further designed to be in electrical and data communication with other workstations to optimize the workstation density in an open working environment without compromising user privacy.