Portable ergonomic workstation for use with exercise equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable desks and workstations are not sufficiently customizable or ergonomic, leading to strain on the neck, back, shoulders, arms, and wrists when used with exercise equipment like treadmills for extended periods, as they fail to accommodate the user's natural body position and require awkward postures to maintain productivity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-platform, ergonomic workstation with at least two adjustable platforms that can be attached to various exercise equipment, allowing for customizable height and tilt adjustments to position a monitor and keyboard ergonomically, reducing strain by aligning with the user's natural body type and minimizing vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single tray laptop mount is used at hand level, then the user can type comfortably, but the user experiences neck, shoulder, and back strain from craning the neck downward to look at the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation is divided into multiple independent platforms: a lower typing platform for the keyboard and an upper viewing platform for the laptop screen. This segmentation allows each platform to be positioned at the optimal height for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between typing comfort and viewing comfort that plagues single-tray designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the workstation design by stacking platforms at different heights. Instead of a single horizontal surface, the system creates a multi-level structure where the keyboard platform is positioned lower and the screen platform is positioned higher, allowing the user to maintain proper ergonomic posture for both typing and viewing simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the laptop is placed at a height closer to the user's head, then neck, shoulder, and back strain is decreased, but arm and wrist strain substantially increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the keyboard and screen onto different platforms, the system allows the screen to be positioned at eye level (reducing neck strain) while the keyboard remains at hand level (maintaining arm and wrist comfort). This segmentation resolves the contradiction that forces users to choose between proper screen height and proper keyboard height.
3Device complexity
If a fixed platform design is used, then the device is simpler, but it cannot accommodate individual user body types or provide ergonomic positioning for extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation incorporates adjustable and movable components, including platforms that can be tilted upward and downward from the horizontal position. This dynamic design allows users to customize the positioning of each platform according to their individual body type and preferences, enabling ergonomic adaptation without requiring an overly complex fixed structure.
4Device complexity
If the platform is kept horizontal, then the structure is simpler, but it is exceptionally difficult to comfortably type for extended periods while walking on a treadmill
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to tilt upward toward the user's torso, creating a dynamic surface that adapts to the user's posture during exercise. This tilt allows the user's hands to naturally point downward and slightly away from the body, eliminating the need to flex or extend wrists for extended periods while typing on a treadmill or other exercise equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-platform, ergonomic workstation that is portable and capable of attaching to different types of exercise equipment, which allows the user to comfortably type, work, or conduct business for extended periods of time while using the exercise equipment. The workstation allows the user to comfortably type or perform work requiring fine motor control while also using the exercise equipment with limited vibration.