Adjustable Desk Footrest Assembly for Sit-Stand Ergonomics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional desks lack height adjustment features to accommodate standing users, and traditional footrests are not suitable for stand-up desks, limiting user comfort and ergonomic benefits.

Innovation Solution

A desk design with adjustable height range and a swingable footrest assembly that can be secured to the desk legs or crossbars, allowing for comfortable use in both sitting and standing positions, with the footrest providing a relaxing swinging motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional desks are used with fixed height, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different user needs (sitting and standing) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different user needsVSAvoiddesk structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the desk height adjustable rather than fixed. The desk includes an adjustable height mechanism that allows the work surface to be raised or lowered to accommodate both sitting and standing users, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different user needs and positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single desk that can serve multiple functions and user types. The adjustable height mechanism enables the same desk to be used by different age groups, for both sitting and standing work, and in various settings (classroom, office, home), eliminating the need for multiple fixed-height desk models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed footrests are attached to desks, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to standing and sitting positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with standing and sitting positionsVSAvoidfootrest mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics to the footrest by making it swingable rather than fixed. The footrest is attached to the desk legs or crossbars and can swing between positions, allowing it to adapt to both sitting and standing user positions. This dynamic movement enables the footrest to provide support in multiple configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements another dimension by adding rotational movement to the footrest. Instead of being constrained to a single position or linear adjustment, the footrest can swing in an arc, providing support in multiple spatial configurations that accommodate different user postures and desk heights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If desks are designed for limited height ranges, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to various age groups and user sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various age groupsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an adjustable height mechanism that allows the desk to be modified for different user sizes and age groups. This eliminates the need to manufacture multiple fixed-height desk models for different age groups, as a single adjustable desk can serve students from elementary through high school.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single desk model that can accommodate various age groups and user sizes through height adjustment. This multi-functional design allows one desk to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized desk models, simplifying inventory and manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If stand-up work stations are configured for predetermined stool heights, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to individual user comfort needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual user comfort accommodationVSAvoidheight adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by providing continuous or multi-position height adjustment capability rather than fixed heights. The adjustment mechanism allows users to set the desk and footrest to specific heights that accommodate their individual comfort needs and body dimensions, whether sitting or standing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by allowing independent adjustment of different components (desk height, footrest height, footrest swing position) to optimize specific areas for individual user comfort. Each component can be adjusted locally to match the user's body proportions and preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8291833B2Adjustable desk and footrest assembly
Publication Date: 2012.10.23 SAFCO PRODS
  • US8291833B2 patent drawing
  • US8291833B2 patent drawing
  • US8291833B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A universal desk or workstation assembly for enhancing learning is incrementally adjustable in height from sitting to standing positions, and includes a pendulum swinging footrest assembly. The swinging footrest assembly may be provided in kit form and is configurable for retrofit attachment to existing desks and workstations. The swinging footrest provides height adjustment and mounting depth adjustment relative to the depth of the desk or workstation.