workstation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workstations that adjust between seated and standing heights require expensive actuators, complex controls, and frequent maintenance, and are difficult to assemble and reconfigure due to the need for numerous disparate components.

Innovation Solution

A workstation design featuring a primary worksurface and a pivotable auxiliary worksurface that can be easily adjusted between seated and standing positions using a simple and robust understructure, allowing for quick assembly and reconfiguration with a limited number of components, eliminating the need for expensive height adjustment systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If height adjustment systems with actuators and controls are used, then the workstation can adjust between seated and standing heights, but the cost increases and maintenance frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidactuator and control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The workstation is divided into separate functional modules: a stable base structure, an adjustable support column, and a worksurface. The adjustment mechanism is segmented into simple telescopic sections that can be manually repositioned without requiring complex actuators or controls for the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex actuator and control systems are extracted and removed from the design. Instead, a simplified mechanical adjustment mechanism is used that relies on basic structural elements and manual operation, eliminating the need for expensive motors, sensors, and electronic controls while maintaining height adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If extensive inventory of disparate components is maintained for assembly, then the workstation can be customized, but the assembly difficulty increases and maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The workstation employs universal connection interfaces and standardized component dimensions that allow the same base structure and support columns to work with multiple worksurface configurations. This multi-functionality enables customization without requiring specialized parts for each configuration, simplifying both assembly and inventory management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional components are merged into integrated assemblies. For example, the support column combines height adjustment, structural support, and worksurface mounting functions in a single unified structure, reducing the number of separate parts that need to be inventoried and assembled while maintaining customization options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250009126A1workstation

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 STEELCASE INC

AI summary

A workstation includes an understructure and a primary worksurface supported by the understructure. The primary worksurface is located at a first height adapted to accommodate a seated user positioned adjacent to and facing the front edge. A support extends upwardly from the primary worksurface. An auxiliary worksurface is coupled to the support and is vertically spaced from the primary worksurface. The auxiliary worksurface is pivotable relative the primary worksurface between a use position and a stored position. The auxiliary worksurface is located at a second height adapted to accommodate a standing user positioned adjacent to and facing the first edge when the auxiliary worksurface is in the use position.