Counterweighted Adjustable Desk Locking for Fast Height Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current desks with adjustable table tops face challenges in simplifying construction and providing easy, convenient operation, as existing mechanisms require significant user effort to lower the desk or are slow and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A desk design featuring a counterweight arrangement with ropes and rollers that biases the weight of the table top against gravity, combined with a locking mechanism using side combs and movable lockers, allows for effortless height adjustment and secure locking of the table top at desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic or gas actuators are used to lift the table top, then the lifting operation becomes effortless, but considerable force is required from the user to lower the desk position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterweight mechanism where a counterweight element is connected to the table top through a rope and pulley system. The counterweight is positioned to balance the weight of the table top, creating a state where minimal force is required for both lifting and lowering operations. The counterweight effectively抵消 (offsets) the gravitational force acting on the table top, allowing bidirectional movement with reduced effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an equipotential system where the counterweight and table top are positioned such that their gravitational potential energies are balanced. This allows the table top to be moved up or down with minimal force input, as the system naturally tends to maintain equilibrium. The rope and pulley arrangement ensures that the counterweight moves in opposition to the table top, maintaining this equipotential state throughout the range of motion.
2Ease of operation
If electric motors are used for height adjustment, then operation becomes easy via buttons, but the adjustment speed is relatively slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric motor system with a purely mechanical counterweight and rope-pulley system. This mechanical system provides direct mechanical advantage through the counterbalance arrangement, enabling faster adjustment speeds compared to electric motors. The system eliminates the need for powered actuators while achieving effortless operation through mechanical equilibrium, thereby improving both speed and ease of operation simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If a crank-operated lift mechanism is used, then the desk can be adjusted manually, but the operation becomes slow and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-balancing system where the counterweight automatically compensates for the table top's weight throughout the adjustment range. This eliminates the need for continuous manual cranking or force application, as the system self-regulates the balance point. The user simply needs to initiate movement, and the counterweight mechanism carries the adjustment process efficiently, significantly reducing the time and effort required compared to crank-operated systems.
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 easy and quick adjustment of the table top height, reducing user effort and improving operational convenience while maintaining stability and aesthetics, allowing for versatile use from sitting to standing positions.
Implementation Method 1
a counterweight arrangement configured to bias the weight of the table top against gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
A desk comprising: a frame (110) comprising a pair of side members (111) and a back member (112); a pair of side guides (113) fixed to the frame (110); a table top (114); a pair of table top supports (115) fixed to the table top (114) and slidable vertically along the side guides (113); a counterweight arrangement, comprising a counterweight (121) coupled, by at least one rope (122) guided via rollers (123), with the table top (114) and configured to bias the weight of the table top (114) against gravity; and a locking arrangement, comprising a pair of side combs (131) fixed to the side members (111) of the frame (110) and a pair of movable lockers (132) mounted at the sides of the table top (114) and movable by at least one actuator (133) between: a locked position in which the movable lockers (132) fit between the teeth (134) of the side combs (131) so as to lock the vertical position of the table top (114); and an unlocked position in which the movable lockers (132) are located in a space (135) beyond the teeth (134) of the side combs (131) so as to enable adjustment of the vertical position of the table top (114).