Height-Adjustable Workstation With Pivoting Keyboard Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current workstations for mobile battlefield electronics enclosures are not height reducible, ergonomic, rugged, or easily deployable and stowable, failing to meet the requirements for tactical use, such as accommodating different operator heights and having a small footprint with shock isolation.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustable workstation with a console supported by and movable up and down on a frame, featuring a keyboard tray that pivots with the console, constant force springs for biasing, and adjustable friction hinges for one-handed operation, allowing quick deployment and stowage, and providing shock isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the workstation is designed to be height reducible for transport, then it can be loaded into cargo planes, but it cannot maintain ergonomic height for operator use
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation console is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow it to transition between two distinct states: a compact stowed position for transport and an extended operational position for use. The console can be moved vertically along guide rails and locked into position, enabling dynamic reconfiguration between height-reduced and ergonomic configurations.
2Loss of time
If the workstation is designed for quick deployment, then it can be rapidly set up for tactical use, but it lacks stability and ruggedness
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation incorporates pre-positioned locking mechanisms and pre-assembled modular components that enable rapid deployment. The console includes ready-to-engage latches and pre-configured mounting positions, allowing operators to quickly transition from stowed to operational states without requiring complex assembly procedures or tools.
3Area of stationary object
If the workstation has a small footprint for transport, then it fits in cargo planes, but it cannot accommodate full-size displays and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation utilizes vertical space through height adjustment capabilities, allowing the console to extend upward from a compact base footprint. This dimensional transition enables the system to maintain a small ground footprint for transport while providing sufficient vertical workspace and equipment mounting capacity when deployed in operational configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the console is made movable for height adjustment, then it provides ergonomic flexibility, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation console is divided into separable modular components including the display mounting section, keyboard tray, and control elements. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted, mounted, or maintained, simplifying the overall mechanism while providing height adaptability through modular reconfiguration rather than complex integrated mechanisms.
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
The workstation can accommodate dual touch panel displays and operators of varying heights, is easily deployable and stowable, has a small footprint, and is rugged, ensuring ergonomic and tactical usability.
Implementation Method 1
Typically, at least one spring is mounted to the frame and secured to the console and biased to drive the console up. In one example, the spring is a constant force spring.
Implementation Method 2
the console then includes bearings which ride on the rails
Implementation Method 3
shock isolation
Implementation Method 4
Preferably, an adjustable friction hinge assembly is located between the keyboard tray and the console
Data Source
AI summary
A height adjustable workstation comprising a frame, a console supported by and movable up and down with the respect to the frame, and a keyboard tray supported by the console and pivotable with respect thereto when the console is moved down.