Multi-positional articulating platform system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sit stand devices, such as articulating arm-based and tower-based units, face stability issues and limitations in accommodating larger work surfaces, leading to instability and impracticality for varied tasks beyond holding monitors and keyboards.
Innovation Solution
A variable height workstation system with a base, lift mechanism, lower and upper adjustable pivot assemblies, and a lock mechanism, which maintains an essentially horizontal orientation of the work platform between fully lowered and raised positions, providing robust construction and flexibility to support more weight and larger surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If articulating arm-based sit stand devices are used, then flexibility of movement is improved, but stability deteriorates due to folding vertically and insufficient robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple articulated segments (base, first arm, second arm, platform) that can move independently relative to each other, allowing flexible positioning while maintaining overall stability through the segmented structure
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from two-dimensional planar movement to three-dimensional spatial positioning by adding vertical articulation capability through the second arm, enabling the platform to reach positions above the support surface while maintaining stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If tower-based sit stand devices are used, then stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited linear path of travel
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic articulation capabilities where the first and second arms can rotate and adjust angles, transforming the static linear movement of tower devices into dynamic multi-directional positioning while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated structure provides multiple functions: vertical lifting, horizontal positioning, and angular adjustment, making the device versatile for various task configurations beyond simple linear height adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger work surfaces are accommodated, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to increased weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a counterbalance mechanism that generates an upward counterbalancing force to offset the weight of the platform and any objects on it, reducing the effort required to move the platform and maintaining stability even with larger work surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces purely mechanical lifting with a hybrid system combining mechanical articulation and pneumatic/hydraulic actuation, providing controlled movement and stable positioning for larger platforms
4Strength
If robust construction is used to support heavier loads, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses pneumatic or hydraulic actuators to provide the lifting force, replacing complex mechanical gear systems with fluid-powered cylinders that can generate high forces with simpler, more compact components
Data Source
AI summary
A variable height workstation system comprises a base, a variable height platform, a lift mechanism, a lower adjustable pivot assembly, and an upper adjustable pivot assembly. The base is configured to be mounted to a support surface. The lift mechanism is configured to move the variable height platform between a fully lowered and raised position. The lower adjustable pivot assembly is configured to be connected be to the base and the lift mechanism. The lower adjustable pivot assembly comprises a lower adjustable force regulator configured to adjust a force required to rotate a lower pivot member about its first vertical rotational axis. The upper adjustable pivot assembly is configured to be connected to the lift mechanism and the variable height platform. The upper adjustable pivot assembly comprises an upper adjustable force regulator configured to adjust a force required to rotate an upper pivot member about its second vertical rotational axis.