Modular Articulating Ergonomic Platform for Sitting and Standing Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomic devices, such as footrests, writing surfaces, and laptop risers, often lack flexibility and adjustability, failing to accommodate both sitting and standing positions effectively, and do not easily adapt to different user needs or orientations, limiting their ergonomic benefits.
Innovation Solution
A Multi-Positional Articulating Ergonomic Device with Modular Features that includes a base, an articulating armature assembly, and an interchangeable top platform, allowing for adjustable elevation, rotation, and pivoting, enabling the device to function as a footrest, writing surface, or laptop/monitor riser, with features like weighted bases, spring-assisted movement, and adjustable force settings to accommodate various user positions and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ergonomic devices are designed with fixed structures and limited adjustment features, then manufacturing and shipping costs are reduced, but the devices fail to accommodate different user needs, positions, and orientations effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components including an interchangeable top platform, articulating armature assembly, and base. This segmentation allows users to configure the device for different functions (footrest, writing surface, laptop/monitor riser) by swapping platforms, thereby improving adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating armature assembly serves multiple functions by supporting different types of platforms (footrest platform, writing surface, laptop/monitor riser). The universal base and articulating mechanism can accommodate various platform types, enabling one core structure to fulfill multiple ergonomic needs across different working positions.
2Ease of operation
If ergonomic devices include multiple adjustment mechanisms for height, angle, and position, then user comfort and ergonomic benefits are improved, but the devices become more complex and expensive to manufacture and ship
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the articulating armature assembly that allows smooth movement between multiple positions. The spring-assisted mechanism provides dynamic height adjustment without requiring complex motorized systems, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving user comfort and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables parameter changes in height, angle, and position through mechanical adjustments. The spring mechanism allows users to modify the height parameter dynamically, while the articulating joints enable angle adjustments, providing ergonomic adaptability without complex manufacturing requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ergonomic devices are designed to accommodate both sitting and standing positions with full adjustability, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating armature assembly is designed as a universal support structure that can accommodate both sitting and standing positions. By interchangeably mounting different platforms (footrest for sitting, monitor/laptop riser for standing), the same core mechanism serves multiple positional requirements without needing separate adjustment systems for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the positioning function into two independent systems: the articulating armature assembly handles height and angle adjustments for both sitting and standing positions, while the interchangeable top platforms provide position-specific functionality. This segmentation allows the core mechanism to remain relatively simple while achieving versatility through component interchangeability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If ergonomic devices include dynamic movement features to encourage active breaks, then health benefits are improved, but the devices become more complex and require additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-assisted articulating mechanism provides dynamic movement capability that encourages active breaks. The spring mechanism allows the platform to move smoothly between positions and can be easily adjusted by the user, promoting movement without requiring complex motorized systems or additional actuators.
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 device provides enhanced ergonomic support by allowing dynamic movement, flexibility, and modularity, enabling it to adapt to different user needs, improving comfort and reducing strain across various working positions, while also reducing manufacturing and shipping costs through interchangeable components.
Implementation Method 1
The elevation is selected by the user through an articulation actuator that includes a spring. The spring provides a counterforce to a downward force on the platform assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a monitor arm assembly including a rotation limiter that includes movable tabs to set the rotation limits of the arms with respect to each other or other assemblies. The rotation limiter may include exterior ring activators and outer visual references for the set limitations. The monitor arm assembly also includes a plurality of slide tracks to allow the monitor attached to the arm to take a plurality of lateral positions. The assembly may further include a connector to join adjacent slide tracks. The monitor arm assembly may include a double slider arrangement where a first track slides within a second track. A plate for connection to a monitor arm or monitor bracket may slide within perimeter channels of the first track.