Ergonomic Workstation Linkage for Coordinated Sitting and Reclining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ergonomic workstations fail to coordinate the movement of user, monitor, input devices, and workspace effectively across various positions, including standing, sitting, and reclining, leading to discomfort and reduced productivity, while also being too expensive and luxurious in appearance for office settings.

Innovation Solution

An ergonomic workstation with a task seat, monitor, and input device support that uses 4-bar mechanical linkages to align pivot axes with human body axes, allowing coordinated and harmonized movement through a range of positions, maintaining optimal ergonomic relationships and allowing for collaboration, with features like retractable leg rests and adjustable monitor positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If ergonomic workstations provide coordinated movement of seat, monitor, and input devices through multiple positions (standing, sitting, reclining), then user comfort and productivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidworkstation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the seat, monitor support, and input device support into a single integrated workstation system that moves together through coordinated motion. The mechanical linkages merge these components so they function as one unified structure rather than separate adjustable elements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ergonomic benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The workstation is designed to perform multiple functions through a single coordinated mechanism: it provides seat positioning, monitor positioning, and input device positioning simultaneously through the same mechanical linkages. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If ergonomic workstations provide coordinated movement through mechanical linkages, then ergonomic positioning is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic positioningVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical linkages are designed to automatically maintain ergonomic relationships between components through passive mechanical means rather than requiring active control systems, motors, or sensors. The system self-regulates the positioning through the inherent geometry of the linkages, reducing manufacturing costs associated with electronic controls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple mechanical linkages and pivot points rather than expensive electronic actuators or motors to achieve coordinated movement. The mechanical advantage provided by the linkage geometry allows for the use of simpler, less expensive components while maintaining the ergonomic functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If existing ergonomic workstations provide coordinated movement, then user comfort improves, but the appearance becomes too luxurious for standard office settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The workstation components are designed with uniform, simple geometric forms and consistent material finishes that blend with standard office furniture aesthetics. The mechanical linkages and support structures are shaped to appear functional rather than ornamental, creating a homogeneous appearance that matches typical office environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Data Source

PatentUS8939500B2Ergonomic productivity workstation having coordinated and harmonized movement of head rest, backrest, seat, leg rest, arm rests, monitor support, and work trays through sitting, standing, and reclining configurations

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 SV TOOL CORPORATION

AI summary

An ergonomic workstation that includes a base; an effective hip axis affixed to the base; a seat bottom that rotates about the effective hip axis; a seat back that rotates about the effective hip axis; an effective shoulder axis positionally fixed to the seat back; an effective elbow axis positionally fixed to the seat back; a monitor support having a monitor mount that rotates about the shoulder axis; and an input device tray support configured such that an input device tray on the support rotates about the elbow axis. As the workstation moves through a broad range of operational zones, it maintains a fixed eye-to-monitor distance and fixed angle between the user's head and the monitor throughout a significant portion of the range of motion, and a fixed distance from the user's elbow to an input device throughout the entire range of motion.