Articulating Workstation Platform With Stable Horizontal Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sit stand devices, such as articulating arm-based and tower-based units, face stability issues and limited work surface size, making them impractical for varied tasks beyond holding monitors and keyboards, and lack the flexibility to maintain a horizontal orientation across different height positions.
Innovation Solution
A variable height workstation system with a base, lift mechanism, lower and upper adjustable pivot assemblies, and a lock mechanism that maintains an essentially horizontal orientation of the work surface between fully lowered and raised positions, providing stability and accommodating larger work surfaces through adjustable force regulators and pivot points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If articulating arm-based sit stand devices are used, then flexibility in positioning is improved, but stability deteriorates due to multiple articulating sections folding vertically
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional modules: a base module, a lift mechanism module, a lower pivot assembly module, and an upper pivot assembly module. Each module performs a specific function while working together to achieve overall stability and positioning flexibility. The segmentation allows independent optimization of each module's performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the lift mechanism with the pivot assemblies into an integrated structure where the lift mechanism is mounted between the lower and upper pivot assemblies. This merging creates a unified support system that maintains stability while enabling both vertical adjustment and articulation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tower-based sit stand devices are used, then stability is improved, but work surface size is limited and positioning flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to support multiple types of work surfaces including monitors, keyboards, laptops, and other office equipment. The universal mounting capabilities and adjustable positioning allow a single device to serve multiple functions and accommodate various work configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the lift mechanism and pivot assemblies, allowing the work surface to be positioned at different heights and angles. This dynamic positioning enables the same stable platform to adapt to different work requirements and surface sizes.
3Area of moving object
If larger work surfaces are accommodated, then work surface size is improved, but device weight increases requiring lifting aids
Solution Approach 1:
The lift mechanism utilizes a gas spring, which is a pneumatic device, to provide lifting assistance for the work surface. This pneumatic system counterbalances the weight of the work surface and any equipment placed on it, enabling easy adjustment to different heights without requiring significant manual effort.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple articulating sections are used, then positioning flexibility is improved, but robustness deteriorates due to vertical folding
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs an asymmetric configuration where the lift mechanism is positioned vertically between the lower and upper pivot assemblies, creating a stable triangular support structure. This asymmetric arrangement prevents vertical folding while maintaining articulation flexibility, as the structural geometry inherently resists collapse.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable height workstation system comprises a base, a variable height platform, a lift mechanism, a lower adjustable pivot assembly, and an upper adjustable pivot assembly. The base is configured to be mounted to a support surface. The lift mechanism is configured to move the variable height platform between a fully lowered and raised position. The lower adjustable pivot assembly is configured to be connected be to the base and the lift mechanism. The lower adjustable pivot assembly comprises a lower adjustable force regulator configured to adjust a force required to rotate a lower pivot member about its first vertical rotational axis. The upper adjustable pivot assembly is configured to be connected to the lift mechanism and the variable height platform. The upper adjustable pivot assembly comprises an upper adjustable force regulator configured to adjust a force required to rotate an upper pivot member about its second vertical rotational axis.