Deployable Footrest and Floor Mat for Adjustable-Height Desks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable-height desks with deployable footrests and floor mats are needed to address space limitations and ergonomic challenges, as well as issues with cleaning and cable management, while allowing for both sitting and standing positions without compromising usability or health benefits.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable-height desk design featuring a movable footrest and deployable floor mat, with mechanisms such as electric actuation, manual cranks, counterbalances, and gas springs, that allow the footrest to transition between stowed and deployed positions synchronously with the tabletop height adjustments, ensuring ergonomic support and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a floor-based footrest and floor mat are used, then ergonomic support is provided, but space under the desk is limited and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest is designed to be movable between a stowed position (toward the back of the desk) and a deployed position (toward the front of the desk). This dynamic positioning allows the footrest to provide ergonomic support when needed while clearing space under the desk for cleaning and cable management when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest assembly is segmented into movable components that can be independently positioned. The floor mat is also designed to be removable or foldable, allowing it to be separated from the main desk structure. This segmentation enables flexible configuration to balance ergonomic needs with cleaning access.
2Ease of operation
If a floor-based footrest and floor mat are used, then ergonomic support is provided, but cleaning crews face challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest's movable design allows it to be repositioned to a stowed location that clears the path for cleaning crews. The floor mat can be removed or folded back, providing unobstructed access for cleaning while maintaining ergonomic functionality when the desk is in use.
3Ease of operation
If a floor-based footrest and floor mat are used, then ergonomic support is provided, but cable management becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the footrest in a stowed location toward the back of the desk, the patent clears the area under the desk front, simplifying cable routing and management. The movable design allows cables to be easily routed without navigating around fixed footrest structures.
4Reliability
If the tabletop height is adjusted for standing position, then health benefits are improved, but foot support may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest is designed to move to a deployed position toward the front of the desk when the tabletop is raised to standing height, providing appropriate foot support. When the tabletop is lowered for sitting, the footrest automatically or manually returns to the stowed position, maintaining proper ergonomics for seated work.
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
Enhances user comfort and health benefits by allowing for increased standing time, improves desk usability by maintaining ergonomic support during both sitting and standing, and simplifies cleaning and cable management by eliminating floor-based obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
mechanisms such as electric actuation, manual cranks, counterbalances, and gas springs
Implementation Method 2
mechanisms such as electric actuation, manual cranks, counterbalances, and gas springs
Data Source
AI summary
A desk includes a tabletop and at least one base member supporting the tabletop. A footrest is disposed on the at least one base member beneath the tabletop. The footrest is movable between a stowed position toward a back of the desk and a deployed position toward a front of the desk. At least one mechanism is disposed on the at least one base member and operatively coupled to the footrest. The at least one mechanism moving the footrest between the stowed and deployed positions. A floor mat is disposed with the footrest. The floor mat is movable with the footrest between a stowed mat position and a deployed mat position.