Adjustable surface expender
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of students in crowded classrooms often results in insufficient desk space, as institutions resort to using smaller desks, leading to students needing additional temporary workspace during classes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable surface extender device with two panels connected by a hinge, featuring clamping mechanisms to secure the device to a surface and objects, allowing for rotation and locking at various angles to extend workspace temporarily.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If classrooms are expanded or additional classrooms are built to reduce crowding, then student space is improved, but construction expense becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The surface extender is divided into two separate panels (first panel and second panel) connected by a hinge, allowing the device to be segmented into functional components that can be independently adjusted and positioned to create additional workspace without requiring permanent structural changes to the classroom environment
Solution Approach 2:
The surface extender employs a hinge mechanism that allows the second panel to rotate relative to the first panel, enabling dynamic adjustment of the workspace angle and configuration. This dynamic capability allows students to adapt the workspace to their needs without requiring permanent expansion of classroom space
2Productivity
If smaller desks are used to fit more students in classrooms, then student capacity is improved, but available desk space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surface extender utilizes the vertical dimension by allowing the second panel to rotate upward from the first panel, creating additional workspace above the original desk surface. This dimensional approach allows students to gain extra workspace without requiring larger horizontal desk面积, thereby maintaining high student capacity while compensating for reduced desk space
Solution Approach 2:
The surface extender can be collapsed into a compact form when not in use, with the second panel rotating flush against the first panel. This nesting capability allows the workspace extension to be stored within or alongside the original desk space when not needed, effectively providing additional space only when required
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable surface extender with hinged panels and locking mechanism is implemented, then workspace adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the student user, allowing them to lock the second panel at their desired angle without requiring external assistance or complex automated systems. This self-service approach provides adaptability while keeping the mechanism simple and reliable
Data Source
AI summary
A surface extender device includes a first panel having a first front wall and a first rear wall, and a second panel having a second front wall and a second rear wall. The surface extender device also includes a first clamping mechanism mounted to the first front wall of the first panel and configured to secure the first panel to a surface, and a second clamping mechanism mounted to the second front wall of the second panel and configured to secure an object to the second panel. The surface extender device also includes a hinge that connects the first panel to the second panel such that the second panel is rotatable with respect to the first panel. The surface extender device further includes a locking mechanism configured to maintain the second panel at an angle with respect to the first panel.