Convertible Display Workstation With Spring-Assisted Panel Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer workstations with pivoting surfaces for flat panel LCDs are overly complex, increasing manufacturing costs and potential failure points due to intricate linkages between the keyboard tray and support panel, making them difficult to convert from a work surface to a display position.
Innovation Solution
A convertible workstation design featuring a pivotably mounted support panel with a spring biasing force and a user-accessible actuator, allowing the panel to transition from a closed to an open position with minimal user effort, independent of the actuator's movement, using a gas spring for opening and damping, and a pull cable for initial actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex linkages are used between keyboard tray and support panel, then the support panel can be actuated by keyboard tray movement, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex linkage system entirely and replaces it with an independent actuating mechanism. The support panel is equipped with its own actuator (motor or manual crank) that operates separately from the keyboard tray, extracting the problematic linkage components while maintaining the ability to actuate the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary actuating mechanism (motor or manual crank) that serves as a mediator between the user and the support panel. This intermediary device provides a simple interface for panel actuation without requiring complex mechanical linkages to the keyboard tray.
2Ease of operation
If complex linkages are used between keyboard tray and support panel, then the panel can be actuated, but potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the complex linkage system, the patent eliminates multiple potential failure points associated with linkage components such as joints, pins, and connecting rods. The independent actuator system has fewer moving parts and connection points, thereby improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If complex linkages are used between keyboard tray and support panel, then panel movement can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates numerous linkage components including lever arms, connecting rods, joints, and fasteners that would require precision manufacturing and assembly. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the panel actuation function through a simpler independent actuator system.
4Ease of operation
If the support panel is spring-biased toward open position, then easy opening is achieved, but panel remains open when closed position is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the actuator monitors and responds to the panel's position. When the panel approaches the closed position, the actuator detects this and automatically applies counteracting force to overcome the spring bias, ensuring the panel stabilizes in the closed position rather than remaining open.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator dynamically changes the force parameter applied to the panel based on its position. When the panel is near the closed position, the actuator increases its output force to counterbalance the spring bias, while when the panel is open, the actuator reduces force allowing the spring to maintain the open position with minimal energy consumption.
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 solution simplifies the construction and operation of the workstation, reducing manufacturing costs and potential failures while ensuring ergonomic display positioning, allowing seamless conversion from a work surface to a computer display with reduced complexity and increased reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A gas spring is provided between the support panel and the work surface. The gas spring is adjusted so that when the support panel is in the closed position and is supporting the flat panel computer display, the opening force exerted by the gas spring is insufficient to move the support panel toward the open position.
Implementation Method 2
A pull cable is attached to the support panel such that pulling on the pull cable initiates movement of the support panel toward the open position.
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible workstation system is disclosed that may be retrofitted into an existing desktop/work surface for supporting and pivoting a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) from a closed position to an open, viewable/usable position in front of a user. The system includes an actuator to initiate movement of a support panel, and is configured such that further movement of the support panel toward the open position after initiation by the actuator is carried out independently of further movement or other manipulation or control of the actuator. A spring may be provided to assist in moving the support panel towards such open position after the actuator has initiated such movement.