Height-adjustable table

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Solution Overview

Problem

Many users of height-adjustable tables do not utilize their height-adjustment functionality effectively, which is crucial for promoting health benefits such as increased calorie burn, improved circulation, and overall well-being, as recommended by alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day.

Innovation Solution

A height-adjustable table equipped with an electric linear actuator, a controller that monitors and reminds users to adjust the height, and a light emitting arrangement that changes color based on a timer to prompt users to switch between sitting and standing positions, using a range of wavelengths from approximately 500 nanometers to 700 nanometers to visually indicate the need for a position change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a height-adjustable table with linear actuators is provided, then the table can adjust between sitting and standing heights, but users do not utilize the height-adjustment functionality effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoiduser utilization of height adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller receives feedback from a sensor system that detects the table's height position and provides information to the controller. The controller then provides feedback to the user through visual indicators (LED lights) showing current height status and timing information, prompting users to adjust posture. This closed-loop feedback system makes the height adjustment functionality more engaging and easier to use effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically monitors the table height and elapsed time without requiring user input. The sensor system self-detects the current position, the controller self-calculates the elapsed time, and the system self-prompts the user through visual indicators, reducing the operational burden on the user while ensuring effective utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a timer device and light emitting arrangement are added to remind users to adjust height, then user motivation to alternate positions increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser motivation to adjust positionVSAvoidcontroller and sensor system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs multiple functions: it monitors sensor input for height detection, calculates elapsed time, determines when posture change is needed, and controls the light emitting indicators. The light emitting arrangement serves dual purposes as both a status indicator and a motivational reminder. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses different colored LED lights to communicate different states and timing information to the user. Color changes provide intuitive visual feedback about current height status and elapsed time without requiring complex displays or interfaces, simplifying the user interaction while conveying rich information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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

The solution motivates users to alternate between sitting and standing more frequently, enhancing their health and well-being by providing a visual reminder to adjust the table height, thus encouraging the use of the table's health-promoting functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting arrangement, where the light emitting arrangement is adapted to emit light within a range of wavelengths starting with a first wavelength and ending with a second wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3624635B1Height-adjustable table
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 LINAK AS
  • EP3624635B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3624635B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3624635B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a height-adjustable table (1) which can assist and motivate the user to use the height-adjustable table in a manner which increases health and well-being.