Carry-On Work Surface Attachment for Stable Mobile Workstations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile equipment carts for film and photography industries are large and heavy, making them difficult to transport, and there is a need for a portable system that allows travelers to create a work station using carry-on cases for supporting electronic devices like laptops and keyboards in various settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable work surface system that removably attaches to carry-on cases via extensible handle support members, featuring a quick lock clamp structure, adjustable angle, and retractable leg support, allowing for stable and ergonomic use of electronic devices, and includes a canopy for protection from elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rack mounted equipment carts are used to support film and photography equipment, then the equipment can be supported on a working surface, but the carts become large and heavy making them difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the equipment support function into separate components: a portable case for equipment storage and a separate work surface attachment. This segmentation allows the heavy cart structure to be eliminated while maintaining equipment support capability through the case-plus-worksurface configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface attachment is designed to be universally compatible with multiple types of carry-on cases featuring telescopic handles. This multi-functionality allows a single work surface design to serve various case types, eliminating the need for specialized heavy carts for each equipment type.
2Reliability
If rack mounted equipment carts are used to support film and photography equipment, then the equipment can be supported on a working surface, but the carts require tracks to move them making them difficult to utilize
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the equipment storage (case) from the work surface support, the system eliminates the need for track-based mobility. The case can be moved independently using its existing wheels and handle, while the work surface attaches only when needed at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface attachment transitions from a static cart structure to a dynamic, on-demand attachment. The work surface can be quickly attached or detached from the case depending on whether work is needed, providing flexibility without compromising mobility.
3Weight of moving object
If a portable work surface system is attached to carry-on cases, then the system becomes lightweight and portable, but the work surface must be stable enough to support electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The case itself serves as a counterweight base for the attached work surface. The weight of the case provides stability to the combined structure, eliminating the need for heavy work surface materials while maintaining stability sufficient to support electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface attachment is designed to engage locally with the case's telescopic handle structure, distributing the load and providing stability at the attachment points. This localized engagement provides sufficient stability without requiring the entire structure to be heavy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the work surface attaches to telescopic handle support members, then the system can be universally applied to existing handle structures, but the attachment must accommodate varying handle dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses adjustable parameters such as movable clamps or expandable grip elements that can adapt to different handle diameters and configurations. This allows a single attachment design to accommodate varying handle dimensions without requiring multiple specialized attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface attachment is designed with universal compatibility features that allow it to interface with various telescopic handle structures common to different case types. This universality is achieved through adaptable attachment elements that can accommodate different handle geometries.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a portable work surface system for carry-on cases. In one embodiment, the system includes one or more work surfaces in the form of tables that may be removably secured to all types of carry-on cases. Each work surface forming part of the system is not only universal in its coupling to existing carry-on cases, but is also substantially dimensioned and stable enough to support various types of electronic devices, such as a portable computer, mouse, keyboards, etc. The work surface system may be adapted for use with a hard drive carry-on case having pull-out handles and wheels and configured to store a hard disk system for use in film production, for example. Additional alternative embodiments are proposed to accommodate different needs and types of uses.