Apparatus, methods, and computer-readable medium for controlling positioning of a desk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing standing desks require manual adjustment of legs, which is time-consuming and inefficient, lacking automated mechanisms to precisely control height and configuration based on user needs or environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A table apparatus equipped with expandable legs, motors, position sensors, and a processor that automatically adjusts leg length based on sensor data, user input, and predefined settings to maintain desired configurations and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of legs is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts leg lengths based on sensor data and processor calculations without requiring manual user intervention. The processor receives sensor signals, determines projected length values, and commands motors to adjust leg positions autonomously, making the system self-adjusting and eliminating time-consuming manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical system. Motors are integrated into the leg structures to automatically alter leg lengths based on electronic control signals from the processor, substituting human physical adjustment with automated motor-driven positioning.
2Ease of operation
If automated motor adjustment is implemented, then productivity and ease of operation improve, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor serves multiple functions: receiving sensor signals, determining projected length values, commanding motors, and storing instructions. This multi-functional approach consolidates control logic into a single processing unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated adjustment capabilities and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Position sensors continuously monitor the current position of each expandable leg and provide feedback signals to the processor. The processor uses this feedback information to determine accurate projected length values and command motors to achieve desired positions, creating a closed-loop control system that simplifies operation while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If position sensors and processors are added, then measurement precision and control accuracy improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional components: position sensors for detection, processor for computation, and motors for actuation. Each component performs a specific function, which simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving high measurement precision through dedicated sensor-motor-control pathways for each leg.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary between position sensors and motors, receiving sensor signals, calculating projected length values, and generating motor command signals. This intermediary processing layer enables precise control by translating sensor data into accurate motor positioning commands while maintaining clear signal flow and system organization.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for controlling positioning of a desk. An exemplary apparatus includes a tabletop, expandable legs, motors, position sensors, a processor, and a memory configured to store instructions. The motors alter a length of one of the expandable legs. The position sensors identify current position of each of the plurality of expandable legs. The instructions cause the processor to receive a sensor signal, a communication signal, or a command signal, receive the identified current position of one or more of the expandable legs, determine a projected length value for the one or more expandable legs responsive to the received sensor signal, the communication signal, or the command signal, and command one or more of the plurality of motors based on the projected length value for the one or more expandable legs and the identified current position of the one or more expandable legs.