Adjustable Worksurface Furniture with End-Access Linkage Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tables with adjustable worksurfaces often have central support legs that interfere with chair placement, limiting user accessibility, especially when the worksurface is adjusted to an inclined position.

Innovation Solution

A furniture piece design featuring a worksurface that can move between horizontal and inclined positions using a linkage system with end frame mechanisms, biasing members, and latching/lockout systems, allowing the entire worksurface to remain above the horizontal plane and enabling user access from the end without central leg interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If central support legs are used to support the adjustable worksurface, then the worksurface can be properly supported during adjustment, but the legs interfere with chair placement and user accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworksurface support stabilityVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the support structure into multiple separate leg units positioned at the corners of the frame, replacing the traditional single central support column. This segmentation allows each leg to be independently positioned away from the center, eliminating interference with chair placement while maintaining overall structural support for the adjustable worksurface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If the worksurface is positioned below the axis of rotation during adjustment, then vertical displacement of the center of mass is reduced, but the worksurface obstructs user access from the end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical displacement of center of massVSAvoiduser access

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional flip-top mechanism by positioning the hinge axis at the top edge of the worksurface rather than at the bottom. This inversion causes the worksurface to swing upward during adjustment, keeping it above the horizontal plane and eliminating obstruction to user access from the end, while the hinge mechanism still effectively manages the center of mass displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the worksurface is adjusted to an inclined position, then it can be used as a writing surface or for nesting, but the worksurface may extend below the horizontal plane causing obstruction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworksurface functionalityVSAvoidobstruction to user access

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the hinge axis position to the top edge of the worksurface, the patent ensures that during inclination adjustment, the worksurface sweeps upward rather than downward. This keeps the entire worksurface above the horizontal plane throughout the adjustment range, enabling writing surface functionality and nesting capability without creating obstruction to user access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 smooth adjustment of the worksurface between horizontal and inclined positions without central leg obstruction, allowing users to sit comfortably at the end of the table and facilitating nesting of multiple tables in inclined configurations.

Implementation Method 1

the biasing member comprises a gas piston. In the second position, the angle between the upper surface of the worksurface and the substantially horizontal plane is greater than 45 degrees

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the linkage comprises, at each end frame mechanism, a first arm rotationally coupled to both the upper and lower end frame member, and a second arm rotationally coupled to both the upper and lower end frame member. The first arm is longer than the second arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9743760B1Furniture piece with adjustable worksurface

Publication Date: 2017.08.29 TEKNION LTD

AI summary

A furniture piece has a worksurface and a support frame having first and second ends. At least two legs extend downwardly from each of the first and second ends for supporting the furniture piece on a floor surface. A linkage couples the support frame to the worksurface. The linkage is configured so that the worksurface can be moved between a first position in which the worksurface is substantially parallel to a horizontal plane defined by the support frame and a second position in which the worksurface is above and at an angle to the horizontal plane.