Adjustable height workstation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current adjustable height workstations have limited ergonomic flexibility, particularly for users sitting on the floor, as they often obstruct knee space and require power sources, limiting mobility and adjustability.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable height workstation with a mast system, tapered pulley assembly, and counterbalance mechanism that allows the work surface to be adjusted manually from floor to standing height without electricity, using a retractable lock pin assembly and counterbalance cable system to ensure ergonomic positioning and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If support posts are made long to accommodate standing positions, then the workstation can support standing height, but the support posts obstruct knee space and prevent comfortable floor-level working
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation is divided into separate functional components: a base unit with storage compartments and a separate work surface assembly. This segmentation allows the work surface to be positioned independently without the base structure obstructing knee space, while still providing full height adjustability from floor level to standing height.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a traditional floor-standing structure to a space-efficient configuration where the base unit can be positioned in corners or along walls, utilizing vertical and lateral space differently. This dimensional reorganization eliminates knee space obstruction while maintaining the full range of height adjustment capabilities.
2Extent of automation
If motorized height adjustment is used, then height adjustment is automated and easy, but power cords are required which limit mobility and ability to position in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motorized electrical systems with a manual mechanical adjustment system. Users can easily adjust the work surface height through mechanical means without requiring power cords, batteries, or electronic components, thereby maintaining full mobility and the ability to position the workstation in any location including tight spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual adjustment mechanism is designed to be intuitively operable by the user without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The self-contained mechanical system allows users to adjust height on-demand wherever they need to work, providing autonomy and adaptability to various environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional accessories like monitor stands and keyboard attachments are added, then ergonomic needs are better supported, but the workstation becomes more complex and less easily configurable
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is designed with universal, multi-functional storage compartments and attachment points that can accommodate various accessories including monitor stands, keyboard trays, and storage bins. This universal design provides ergonomic support capabilities while maintaining simplicity, as users can configure different accessory arrangements without dealing with complex mounting systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to work comfortably at various heights, including floor level, without obstructing knee space, and can be easily moved and positioned in tight spaces without power cords, enhancing ergonomic flexibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The counterbalance assembly can include a spring and a counterbalance cable
Implementation Method 2
The tapered pulley assembly can include a counterbalance wheel and more than one lifting wheel, each having a different diameter. In operation, the lifting wheels can be arranged in progressively larger diameters to provide a different amount of counterbalance torque
Implementation Method 3
The counterbalance cable connects the spring to the counterbalance wheel
Data Source
AI summary
This present invention relates to an adjustable height workstation comprising a mast having lock pin receptacles disposed along the mast, a work surface, and an accessory surface that is interconnected with a work surface and configured to slide along the mast. A lock pin can be inserted into a lock pin receptacle to abate the accessory surface moving along the mast. The work surface comprises a release rail that a user can operate to adjust the height of the accessory and work surfaces. A tapered pully assembly and counterbalance assembly are operationally related allowing the user to work ergonomically by adjusting the height of the accessory and the work surfaces, in a counterbalanced manner, up and down the mast in a variety of positions including floor level so that the user can work on the work surface at floor level.