Container system for an ergonomically adjustable workstation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ergonomic adjustable workstations lack a flexible and adaptable system to securely hold grab trays, material boxes, and tool units, limiting ergonomic adjustments and efficient material flow, which leads to increased physical strain, reduced productivity, and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A carrier system with swivel assemblies, using aluminum or steel strut profiles with grooves, and sliding elements like Teflon or ball bearings, allows for stepless adjustment and secure fastening of grab trays and tool units, enabling ergonomic positioning and easy access, reducing physical strain and improving material flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed workstation setup is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but ergonomic adjustability and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation is divided into modular components: a base unit with swivel assembly, adjustable support arms, and separate carrier units that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation incorporates dynamic elements including swivel assemblies that allow rotational movement, adjustable support arms with telescopic sections for height and angle adjustment, and carriers that can be repositioned along rails. These dynamic features enable continuous adaptation to different ergonomic requirements while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement mechanisms.
2Productivity
If manual restocking of workstations is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Material containers are pre-assembled with required components and tools before being delivered to the workstation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site assembly and restocking operations, allowing workers to simply replace entire pre-configured carrier units rather than individually assembling components during production cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation design enables workers to independently perform quick carrier changes and restocking operations without requiring assistance from support staff. The modular carrier system allows workers to remove empty carriers and replace them with full ones through simple manual operations, making the restocking process self-service oriented and eliminating productivity losses associated with waiting for restocking support.
3Stability of the object's composition
If heavy loads are secured to the support rail, then stability is improved, but ease of operation and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A夹持装置 (clamping device) serves as an intermediary mechanism between the support rail and carriers. This device provides a reliable mechanical connection that can securely hold heavy loads through adjustable clamping force, while simultaneously allowing easy release and repositioning of carriers through manual operation of the clamping mechanism, thus bridging the contradiction between secure fixation and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device incorporates adjustable parameters including clamping force, positioning location, and engagement depth. These parameters can be modified to match different carrier weights and sizes, allowing the system to maintain stable securing of heavy loads while preserving ease of operation through parameter adjustment rather than requiring different mechanisms for different load conditions.
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 system reduces physical strain, increases productivity and flexibility, enhances ergonomic working conditions, and improves material flow by allowing for customizable positioning and easy access to tools and materials, thereby reducing errors and improving overall workplace efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
sliding elements like Teflon or ball bearings
Implementation Method 2
sliding elements like Teflon or ball bearings
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a carrier system (100) for an ergonomically adjustable workplace for holding a number of grab containers or pre-assembled tools. The required gripping container position can be determined by one person by individually shifting the support profiles (11, 13). This individual and simple adjustability allows the respective person to work ergonomically correct and comfortably, even with different body sizes and arm lengths. By equipping the grab containers (42) in the directions “from left to right” or vice versa, depending on the assembly sequence, the assembly sequence can be specified in a targeted manner and errors can thus be avoided. The gripping lengths required by ergonomics, reasonable gripping angles of the arms, and the gripping process achieved with ease through the use of gripping tongues (particular protection of the fingertips) prevent the person performing the exercise from tiring and increase performance, motivation and quality.