Dual-Friction Device Foot for Ergonomic Desktop Displacement
Solution Overview
Problem
Desktop devices, especially larger and heavier ones, are difficult to position and displace ergonomically due to high lifting requirements and lack of slip resistance, making it challenging to move them without additional brakes or slipping issues.
Innovation Solution
A desktop device with a dual-foot mechanism, where one foot element provides high friction for stability and the other has lower friction for easy sliding, allowing tilting for displacement with reduced force expenditure without additional slip-control elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rollers or similar elements are used to reduce friction, then displacement ease is improved, but slip resistance is completely lost or additional brakes have to be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device foot is segmented into two distinct elements: a first element with high friction material for slip resistance during operation, and a second element with low friction material for easy displacement during transport. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two friction states by tilting the device. In the operating position, the first element contacts the surface providing high friction. In the transport position, the device tilts so the second element contacts the surface providing low friction. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction between needing slip resistance and displacement ease.
2Reliability
If additional brakes are provided to maintain slip resistance, then slip resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking function is extracted from the main device body and integrated into the foot structure itself. The first element of the foot provides the braking/slip resistance function through its high friction material, eliminating the need for separate brake mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot structure serves multiple functions: it provides both slip resistance (through the first element) and displacement ease (through the second element), and also serves as the support structure for the device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated braking components.
3Ease of operation
If the device is fully lifted for positioning, then positioning capability is improved, but ergonomic effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring full lifting, the system uses a dynamic tilting motion to transition between operating and transport positions. The user tilts the device to engage the low-friction second element, which then allows easy sliding with minimal force, significantly reducing ergonomic effort compared to full lifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction parameter is changed by altering the contact surface through tilting. The system transitions from high-friction contact (first element) to low-friction contact (second element), enabling easy displacement without the need to overcome the full weight of the device through lifting.
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 ergonomic positioning and displacement of desktop devices by tilting, reducing the need for additional brakes and maintaining slip resistance in the operating position.
Implementation Method 1
the contact area of the second element has a lower frictional resistance (in particular a lower sliding friction or static friction) relative to the supporting surface than the contact area of the first element of the at least one device foot
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a device (1) comprising at least one first device foot (100). It is provided here that the at least one first device foot (100) comprises a first element (101) and a second element (102), wherein the device (1) can be arranged on the supporting surface (U) in an operating position, such that a contact area (101a) of the first element (101) contacts the supporting surface (U), and wherein the device (1) can be tilted, starting from the operating position, into a transport state, in which a contact area (102a) of the second element (102) of the at least one device foot (100) contacts the supporting surface (U) and spaces the first element (101) from the supporting surface (U), and wherein the contact area (102a) of the second element (102) has a lower frictional resistance than the contact area (101a) of the first element (101).