Adjustable Desk Platform With Pivot-Arm Height Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional desks do not accommodate the ergonomic needs of alternating between sitting and standing, leading to health issues such as increased mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and obesity, as well as fatigue and discomfort from prolonged standing.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable desk platform with pivot arms and a locking mechanism that allows easy transition between a fully raised and fully lowered position, enabling users to adjust the height to suit their working posture, while incorporating counterweights and biasing mechanisms for stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-height desk is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate ergonomic needs of alternating between sitting and standing
Solution Approach 1:
The desk is divided into separate functional components: a base platform, an adjustable upper platform, pivot arms for movement, and a locking mechanism for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while providing height adjustability to accommodate both sitting and standing postures.
Solution Approach 2:
The desk transitions from a static fixed-height structure to a dynamic adjustable structure through the introduction of movable pivot arms and height-adjustable upper platforms. The locking mechanism enables the desk to switch between fixed positions, providing adaptability while maintaining structural stability when locked.
2Productivity
If standing desks are used, then productivity during breaks from sitting is maintained, but prolonged standing increases fatigue and health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable desk allows users to dynamically switch between sitting and standing positions throughout the workday, preventing the harmful effects of prolonged static postures while maintaining productivity. The ease of adjustment encourages frequent position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The desk height parameter can be changed between multiple discrete positions to accommodate different user needs and work tasks, enabling ergonomic optimization for both sitting and standing workflows.
3Ease of operation
If quick transitions between sitting and standing are enabled, then ergonomic benefits are maximized, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Counterweights are incorporated into the pivot arm mechanism to balance the weight of the upper platform, reducing the force required by the user to adjust the height. This enables quick and easy transitions between sitting and standing positions while keeping the mechanical mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism automatically maintains the upper platform in a raised position, reducing the effort needed by the user to hold or adjust the desk height. The system partially serves itself by using spring force to counteract gravity.
4Ease of operation
If counterweights and biasing mechanisms are added for ease of use, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Counterweights are incorporated into the pivot arm mechanism to balance the weight of the upper platform, reducing the force required by the user to adjust the height. This enables quick and easy transitions between sitting and standing positions while keeping the mechanical mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism automatically maintains the upper platform in a raised position, reducing the effort needed by the user to hold or adjust the desk height. The system partially serves itself by using spring force to counteract gravity.
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable desk platform includes an upper platform defining a first substantially planar work surface; a lower platform defining a second substantially planar work surface; at least one set of pivot arms connecting the lower platform and the upper platform, the set of pivot arms including a primary pivot arm and a secondary pivot arm. The set of pivot arms is adapted to move the upper platform substantially in parallel with the lower platform between a fully raised position and a fully lowered position. A locking mechanism includes a plurality of perforations located in the primary pivot arm or the secondary pivot arm, a locking set fixed with respect to the upper platform or lower platform, the locking set including at least one anchor adapted to selectively engage at least one of the plurality of perforations, and a handle connected to the anchor by a linkage.