Reversible Work Surface Element for Hidden Ergonomic Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomics in screen work environments often lead to musculoskeletal disorders due to strain on wrists and elbow joints, and existing work surfaces lack versatility to accommodate different work modes effectively, impacting office space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A work surface element with opposite faces that can be installed in two positions, allowing screen work accessories like an arm rest to be hidden or exposed, enhancing ergonomics and versatility by enabling multiple modes of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screen work accessories (arm rest, keyboard, mouse) are permanently integrated into the work surface, then ergonomics is improved, but the work surface loses versatility for other work modes
Solution Approach 1:
The element is designed to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis, allowing it to dynamically change orientation between different positions. This enables the work surface to adapt its configuration based on the work mode required, switching between ergonomic screen work configuration and a clear surface configuration for other tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The element integrates multiple functions within a single component: it provides ergonomic support (arm rest), houses screen work accessories (keyboard, mouse), and can be positioned in multiple orientations. This multi-functional design allows one element to serve different purposes depending on its rotational position.
2Ease of operation
If the work surface is designed for ergonomic screen work with integrated accessories, then worker health is improved, but office space utilization efficiency decreases due to dedicated space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The element serves multiple functions including arm rest support, keyboard placement, and mouse placement, all within a single integrated component. This consolidation allows one physical space to accommodate multiple screen work functions, improving space utilization while maintaining ergonomic benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable design allows the element to be repositioned based on different work requirements, enabling the same physical space to serve different work modes (screen work vs. other tasks), thereby improving overall office space utilization efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If screen work accessories are always visible and accessible on the work surface, then ergonomics is maintained, but the work surface appears cluttered and less adaptable to different work modes
Solution Approach 1:
The element can be rotated to different positions, dynamically adjusting the visibility and accessibility of screen work accessories. When rotated to certain positions, the accessories remain accessible for screen work; when rotated to other positions, they are less prominent, allowing the work surface to adapt to different work modes.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~3
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AI summary
There is provided an element (202) for a work surface (204) and an arrangement including one or more elements. The element comprises opposite faces and the element (202) is being arranged to be installed in a first position with respect to the work surface (204) and in a second position with respect to the work surface, in which first position and second position different opposite faces are out on the work surface. The element comprises screen work accessories (210) on one of the opposite faces, whereby in the first position of the element the screen work accessories are out on the work surface and in the second position of the element the screen work accessories reside underneath the work surface.