Pivoting Work Surface for Space-Saving Equipment Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 upper 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 becomes exposed and unprotected
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between extended and retracted positions. The shielding member can pivot between covering and uncovered positions, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on whether equipment protection or workspace expansion is the priority at any given moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding member and work surface are designed to nest together when retracted, with the shielding member covering the equipment stored within the base structure. This nesting arrangement allows the protective covering to be integrated into the overall structure without requiring separate storage space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the work surface is retracted to protect equipment, then equipment safety improves, but the available workspace area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface serves multiple functions: it provides a workspace when extended and acts as a protective shield when retracted. The shielding member similarly serves both as a protective cover and as part of the structural assembly, eliminating the need for separate protective barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions dynamically between protected and unprotected states through pivotal movement of the work surface and shielding member. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical structure to fulfill different functional requirements without permanent modification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the work surface is made movable to provide flexibility, then workspace adaptability improves, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface assembly is segmented into distinct components: the work surface itself, the shielding member, and the pivotal connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall movement mechanism compared to a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal mounting system provides simple rotational movement to achieve reconfiguration. This dynamic element allows the work surface and shielding member to transition between positions using straightforward mechanical hinges rather than complex actuation systems.
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.