Small-size, movable workstation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Professionals, such as independent contractors and managers, require a versatile and portable workstation that can be easily moved and adapted to meet their temporary office needs, providing sufficient support, power, and storage while allowing for comfortable use and avoiding leg obstruction.

Innovation Solution

A movable workstation with a flat work surface supported by a base assembly equipped with wheels, an adjustable telescopic upright structure, and a container formed by semi-shells that can be translated and rotated for optimal positioning, along with a power supply and data connection panel, and an integrated battery for independent charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the workstation is made compact and movable, then portability and ease of movement are improved, but the available workspace area and storage capacity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidworkspace area
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The workstation is divided into modular components: a base assembly with storage compartments, an adjustable support structure, and a work surface. This segmentation allows the workstation to be compact when folded while providing sufficient workspace when deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The workstation utilizes vertical space through an adjustable telescopic upright structure that allows the work surface to be positioned at different heights. This dimensional adjustment provides adequate workspace area without increasing the horizontal footprint when the workstation is in storage mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the workstation is designed to be small in closed position, then storage efficiency is improved, but the comfort and ergonomics during use are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The workstation incorporates a telescopic upright structure with adjustable height and angle, allowing the work surface to be dynamically positioned to suit different user needs and ergonomic requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures comfort during use while maintaining a compact form when folded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the workstation includes sufficient support surfaces and storage compartments, then functionality is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base assembly serves multiple functions: it provides storage compartments for documents and devices, houses power supply and data connection panels, and supports the adjustable work surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in complexity despite enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Speed

If the workstation is made movable with wheels, then mobility is improved, but the stability during use may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism extracts and secures the telescopic upright structure in place during use, preventing movement and ensuring stability. The wheels are designed to be lockable, separating the mobility function (wheels) from the stability function (locking mechanism and fixed support structure during use).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3721753B1Small-size, movable workstation
Publication Date: 2023.05.17 UNIFOR SPA
  • EP3721753B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3721753B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3721753B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A movable workstation (1) comprising at least one work plane (10); a base assembly (20), said work plane (10) being supported by said base assembly (20), said base assembly (20) comprising wheels (31) for resting said movable work station (1) on a floor (100) and for moving said workstation (1) along said floor (100); wherein said base assembly (20) comprises: a support structure (21) comprising a bearing structure (30) adapted to be rested on the floor (100) and a upright structure (40) connected to, and interposed between, said rest structure (30) and said at least one work plane (10); at least one container (25) supported to said base assembly (20); and wherein at least one of the at least one work plane (10) is constrained to said upright structure (40) in a translatable manner with respect to said base assembly (20) according to one plane parallel to said at least one of the at least one work plane (10).