Dynamic workstation apparatus, methods, and systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workstations lack the ability to adjust to full squat and seated-on-the-floor positions, limiting range of motion and flexibility, and are often separate from fitness equipment that suspends the body by the hands, restricting frequent and varied body position changes for office workers.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic workstation apparatus with a raisable and lowerable work surface and equipment support, adjustable between standing, seated, and floor heights, using linear actuators with electric motors and programmable controllers, allowing electronic operation via switches, timers, and sensors, and integrated with a mobile application for configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing workstations use fixed seated and standing positions, then the workstation structure is simple, but the range of motion and flexibility for users is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation employs a dynamically adjustable work surface that can move between multiple fixed heights (seated, standing, and intermediate positions) using electric actuators. This allows the workstation to adapt to different user needs and body positions while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation is designed to serve multiple functions by integrating both work surface height adjustment and fitness equipment (suspend bar) into a single unit. This multi-functionality allows users to perform both work tasks and fitness exercises without needing separate equipment, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fitness equipment is located separately from the workstation, then the fitness equipment can be specialized, but the opportunities for frequent and varied body position changes are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the workstation and fitness equipment into a single integrated unit. The work surface can be adjusted to various heights including a lowered position that facilitates squatting and floor-seated exercises, while the overhead frame elements provide support for the suspend bar. This combination allows users to transition between work and exercise modes without leaving the workstation, enabling frequent body position changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the work surface is adjustable to floor height, then full squat and floor seated positions are enabled, but the actuator system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is designed with multiple fixed height positions including a fully lowered position that enables floor-height work surface configuration for squatting and floor-seated exercises. The dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to transition between these predetermined positions reliably, balancing the expanded height range with manageable system complexity through automated control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the workstation integrates fitness equipment, then flexibility and strength conditioning exercises are enabled, but the workstation design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines work surface adjustment with fitness exercises. The overhead frame elements serve dual purposes: supporting the work surface at various heights and providing structural support for the suspend bar fitness equipment. This universal design enables both work and exercise functions within a single integrated structure, increasing adaptability while controlling design complexity through shared structural elements.
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 users to engage in a wider range of motion, including squatting and floor seating, while integrating fitness exercises, promoting muscle engagement and flexibility through adjustable height settings and programmable workout configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuator that may be attached to and operable with the frame to move the raisable and lowerable work surface between a range of movement including the standing height and the floor height
Implementation Method 2
The first actuator may include an electric motor mounted to the frame
Implementation Method 3
The at least one linear actuator may include ball screws
Implementation Method 4
The at least one linear actuator may include lead screws
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of dynamic workstation apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed. One aspect disclosed herein is an apparatus comprising a frame; an equipment support that is operable with the frame to position a piece of exercise equipment at a plurality of different equipment support heights relative to the frame; a work surface that is attachable to the frame and selectively positionable at a plurality of different work surface heights relative to the frame, the plurality of different work surface heights including at least a standing height and a seated height; and an actuator that is attachable to and operable with the frame to move the work surface within a range of movement including the plurality of different work surface heights while maintaining an orientation of the work surface relative to the frame.