Operator Desk with Adaptive Lighting Mount for Monitor Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Control rooms and operations rooms require adaptable working environments to maintain operator alertness and efficiency, especially during critical situations, where existing setups often fail to provide flexible adjustments in lighting and sound fields without disrupting display monitor visibility.

Innovation Solution

An operator desk with a movable display monitor mount and adjustable light-emitting means, integrated with a central control device, allows for customizable lighting and sound fields that remain focused on the work surface even when the monitors are moved, using adjustable mounting arms and a casing with LED lighting and directional sound sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If display monitors are made movable to adapt to different working conditions, then adaptability is improved, but maintaining consistent lighting conditions becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of working environmentVSAvoidlighting conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is made dynamic by coupling the light-emitting means to the movable display monitor mount. As the display monitors move along the first extension, the mounting arm adjusts the position of the light-emitting means accordingly, ensuring that lighting conditions remain consistent and optimal regardless of monitor position. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between adaptability and lighting consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parameters are customized for the operator, then working environment quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization of working environmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the lighting adjustment function with the display monitor positioning system. The central control device coordinates both the movement of display monitors and the adjustment of the light-emitting means through an integrated control mechanism. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while still enabling multiple customization parameters for the working environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs automatic control where the central control device autonomously adjusts the mounting arm position based on display monitor movement. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention for each parameter adjustment, simplifying the user interface while maintaining multiple customization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If light-emitting means is made adjustable to follow display monitors, then lighting consistency is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting consistencyVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting arm mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting arm serves as an intermediary mechanism between the movable display monitor mount and the light-emitting means. It translates the positional changes of the display monitors into corresponding adjustments of the light-emitting means position. This intermediary structure enables lighting consistency without requiring direct coupling or complex integrated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This setup creates a flexible working environment that maintains optimal lighting and sound conditions, enhancing operator alertness and reaction time without distracting glare or noise, leading to improved situational awareness and potential financial savings by preventing accidents.

Implementation Method 1

The light-emitting means is comprised in a casing which is attached to the upper side with at least one mounting arm arranged to be adjustable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2919616B1Operator desk with adaptive armature
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 ABB AB
  • EP2919616B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2919616B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2919616B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an operator desk (1) comprising at least one work top which has one main work surface (3) with a longitudinal main extension (L). The work top 2 is attached by at least one leg arrangement (4, 5) which extends between the desk top (2) and a base foundation (6). The operator desk (1) further comprises at least one first set of display monitors (7, 8, 9) that are arranged on a display monitor mount (10) which is supported by at least two supporting legs (11, 12) and has one lower side (13) facing towards the base foundation (6), one upper side (14) facing away from the base foundation (6). The supporting legs (11, 12) with adhering first set of display monitors (7, 8, 9) are arranged to be movable along a first extension (S1). The operator desk (1) further comprises at least one light-emitting means (26) and a central control device (27), where the light-emitting means (26) is contained in a casing (28) which is attached to the upper side by at least one mounting arm (28, 30). The central control device (27) is arranged to adjust said mounting arm (29, 30) so that the light-emitting means (26) maintains a desired position along the first extension (S1) when the supporting legs (11, 12) with adhering display monitors (7, 8, 9) are moved along the first extension S1.