Adjustable Display Mounting Column for Sit-Stand Workstations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional workstations with fixed heights are inadequate for users who need to switch between sitting and standing positions, as they do not allow for adjustable equipment positioning to accommodate different user preferences and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A positioning apparatus with a base that attaches to a work surface, a support column, and a mounting portion that moves vertically to adjust the position of an electronic display and keyboard within a range suitable for both sitting and standing positions, incorporating a lift mechanism and attachment options for stability and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-height workstation is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different user positions and sizes is poor

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

Solution Approach 1:

The workstation employs a lift mechanism that enables dynamic height adjustment of the support column, allowing the mounting portion to move between multiple vertical positions. This transforms a static fixed-height structure into a dynamic adjustable one, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability by providing movement capability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning apparatus is designed to support multiple pieces of equipment (electronic display, keyboard, mouse) on a single mounting portion that can be adjusted to various heights. This multi-functional design allows one structure to serve multiple users and multiple equipment types, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If equipment is positioned for one user's preference, then the positioning precision for that user is optimal, but the adaptability to other users with different preferences deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to multiple usersVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lift mechanism allows the mounting portion to be dynamically repositioned to different heights, enabling the same workstation to be precisely configured for multiple users with different ergonomic requirements. The system maintains positioning precision for each user by allowing adjustment to their specific preferred height

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is segmented into adjustable components (mounting portion, support column, lift mechanism) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows precise positioning for different users by adjusting the relevant components to their specific needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a wide range of vertical travel is provided, then the adaptability to different positions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of vertical travelVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lift mechanism provides a wide vertical range of travel while maintaining relatively simple operation. The dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to cover multiple height positions without requiring complex control systems, achieving wide adaptability with manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9820566B2Display positioning apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2017.11.21 ERGOTRON INC
  • US9820566B2 patent drawing
  • US9820566B2 patent drawing
  • US9820566B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments include an apparatus for positioning an electronic display. The apparatus can be combined with an existing work surface to provide a multi-position workstation. In some cases the apparatus includes a mounting portion configured to support an electronic display and a keyboard. The mounting portion may be movable with respect to the work surface between multiple positions, including for example, a sitting position and a standing position. Methods for positioning an electronic display and a keyboard are also included.