Height adjustable workstation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height adjustable workstations lack flexibility in desk configuration adjustments, particularly when transitioning between seated and standing positions, as they do not adequately accommodate different user requirements for document reading and keyboard protection.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustable workstation with a movable desk portion pivotally connected to a fixed desk portion, featuring a skirt that adjusts width and a trough for storage, allowing the desk surface to pivot and slide for multiple positions, including a document holder configuration and keyboard protection, while preventing finger trapping and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the movable desk portion is pivoted to create a slanted document holder position, then document reading comfort is improved, but a gap forms between the fixed and movable desk portions that could trap fingers
Solution Approach 1:
A skirt element is introduced as an intermediary component between the fixed desk portion and movable desk portion. The skirt fills the gap that forms when the movable desk portion is pivoted to a slanted position, preventing fingers from being trapped while allowing the document holder function to operate. The skirt acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between achieving the slanted position for reading comfort and preventing the hazardous gap from forming.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the skirt width is increased to fully cover the gap when the movable desk portion is slanted, then finger trapping is prevented, but the skirt requires excessive storage space when the movable desk portion is in the planar position
Solution Approach 1:
The skirt is designed as a dynamic component that changes its width according to the position of the movable desk portion. When the movable desk portion is in the planar position, the skirt has a reduced width that minimizes storage space requirements. When the movable desk portion is pivoted to a slanted position, the skirt automatically extends to a greater width to fill the gap and prevent finger trapping. This dynamic adjustment allows the skirt to adapt its dimensions to the operational requirements at different desk configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt is configured to nest within or alongside the fixed desk portion when in its retracted or minimal width state. This nesting arrangement allows the skirt to be compact when full coverage is not required, reducing the storage space needed. When the movable desk portion is pivoted to create the gap, the skirt extends outward from its nested position to provide the necessary coverage, effectively utilizing the space only when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the workstation provides multiple adjustable positions for the movable desk portion, then adaptability to different user requirements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation is segmented into distinct functional components: a fixed desk portion, a movable desk portion that can pivot independently, and a skirt that adjusts separately. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with relative simplicity. The movable desk portion handles the document holder positioning, while the skirt handles the gap filling, and neither component needs to be overly complex to achieve its purpose. The segmentation enables multi-position adjustability without requiring a single complex mechanism to manage all adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable desk portion serves multiple functions: it creates the slanted document holder position for reading comfort, and it also provides additional workspace surface area. The skirt serves dual purposes: it prevents finger trapping in the gap, and it maintains the aesthetic appearance of the workstation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still providing adaptability for different user requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a height adjustable workstation, comprising a base (1), lower (3) and upper (5) desks, and a lifting mechanism (2) for raising and lowering the lower and upper desks relative to the base, the lower desk (3) for supporting a keyboard and the upper desk (5) for supporting a computer monitor. The upper desk (5) provides a substantially planar upper desk surface that comprises a fixed desk surface (7) of a fixed desk portion (6) and a movable desk surface (9) of a movable desk portion (8), when the moveable desk portion (8) is in a first position. In a second position the movable desk surface (9) is upwardly slanted relative to the fixed desk surface (7), to aid reading of any documents placed on the movable desk surface (9). A skirt (10, 12) fills a gap between the fixed desk surface (7) and the movable desk surface (9) when the movable desk portion is in the second position, to prevent trapping of human fingers.