Pivoting Work Surface for Equipment Protection and Floor Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current workspace solutions fail to effectively increase floor space while protecting and storing equipment, such as multi-monitor setups, when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A work station design featuring a base with a pivotally mounted work surface that can transition between a protective position covering equipment and an extended position, allowing for increased floor space utilization, incorporating features like shielding members, arms, and motor-actuated frames for adjustable height and wing extensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the work surface is extended to increase floor space utilization, then the available workspace area increases, but the equipment protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, transitioning between a retracted position (providing equipment protection) and an extended position (providing increased workspace). The pivotal mounting allows the surface to rotate between these states, enabling the system to adapt to different operational requirements and resolve the contradiction between protection and space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface is divided into separable components including the main surface, shielding members, and support arms. This segmentation allows the shielding members to remain in place protecting equipment while the main work surface can be extended or repositioned independently to increase floor space utilization without compromising equipment security.
2Reliability
If the work surface is retracted to protect equipment, then the equipment security improves, but the available workspace area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface structure serves multiple functions: it provides equipment protection when retracted, creates workspace when extended, and includes shielding members that can independently protect equipment. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to address both equipment security and workspace area requirements depending on the operational state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the work station includes adjustable height and extension features, then the ergonomic flexibility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The work station incorporates dynamic elements including pivotal mounting for height adjustment, slideable accessories for position customization, and extendable wings for surface area modification. These dynamic features provide ergonomic flexibility while using standardized mechanical principles that balance functionality with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The work station employs nested structural elements where wings can be stored within or alongside the main frame when not in use, and slideable accessories nest within the frame structure. This nesting approach allows for extended functionality without proportionally increasing the overall device footprint or complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A work station including a base includes a work surface pivotally mounted to the base so as to be configured to pivot between a first position and a second position. The work surface is configured to cover a protected member when in a first position and the work surface is configured to uncover the protected member when moved into a second position. The base is configured to support the work surface on a floor surface. A height of the work surface can be adjusted to accommodate the ergonomic needs of different users.