Ergonomic-device support assembly for ergonomic device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ergonomic devices, such as anti-fatigue floor mats, are inconvenient to move between standing and sitting positions, leading to user discomfort and potential injury due to the need for bending or kicking, which discourages alternating between positions and results in muscle fatigue and cramping.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic-device support assembly with a stationary frame that allows the ergonomic device to be selectively positioned underneath a desk, enabling easy movement between an extended-deployment and retracted-storage position, reducing user effort and preventing awkward postures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ergonomic device (anti-fatigue floor mat) is placed on the floor in front of the desk, then it provides fatigue reduction for standing users, but it requires the user to bend or kick to move it, causing awkward postures and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning the anti-fatigue mat from a static floor placement to a dynamically movable position. The mat is integrated with a support assembly that allows it to be easily extended from and retracted to storage positions under the desk, eliminating the need for users to bend or kick to move it. This dynamic positioning system resolves the contradiction by maintaining fatigue reduction effectiveness while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary support assembly (including frame, rollers, and handles) that mediates between the mat and the user. Instead of the user directly moving the mat on the floor, the support assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates easy movement. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by providing a mechanical advantage that makes moving the heavy mat simple and injury-free.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user must periodically move the ergonomic device to alternate between sitting and standing positions, then position alternation is possible, but the inconvenience discourages users from alternating positions, leading to muscle fatigue and cramping
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly enables dynamic repositioning of the mat with minimal effort through features like rollers, handles, and a frame structure designed for easy movement. This dynamic system allows users to quickly extend the mat for standing positions and retract it for sitting positions without inconvenience, thereby encouraging frequent position alternation and resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is designed to be user-operable without requiring assistance or complex mechanisms. Users can easily move the mat themselves using the integrated handles and roller system, making the position alternation process self-service and convenient. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by making the mat easy enough to move that users will actually alternate positions as intended.
3Ease of operation
If the ergonomic device is always left in use position, then it is readily available, but it prevents sitting users from having adequate space and may cause unwanted injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mat position changeable on demand rather than fixed. The support assembly allows the mat to be easily retracted under the desk when not needed for standing positions. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by keeping the mat readily available for standing users while automatically clearing space for sitting users, eliminating both availability and safety conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly enables preliminary retraction of the mat to the storage position under the desk before a user needs to sit. This preliminary action of moving the mat out of the way prevents space obstruction and potential injury risks before they occur, while maintaining the mat's availability for when standing positions are needed. This resolves the contradiction by proactively managing the mat's position based on anticipated use.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has an ergonomic-device support assembly including a stationary frame assembly configured to be received and selectively positioned underneath a desk relative to a user. The ergonomic-device support assembly is configured to receive and support an ergonomic device. This is done in such a way that the ergonomic device is selectively movable relative to the user of the desk between an extended-deployment position and a retracted-storage position.