Sliding Desk and Armrest Workstation for Back Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Workplace physical fatigue and discomfort occur due to the need for prolonged sitting at desks, as traditional workstation setups require users to strain their backs to reach the desktop, leading to ergonomic and comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
A symbiotic workstation assembly featuring a chair with armrests and a sliding desk that can be positioned compactly or extended to rest on the armrests, allowing users to work comfortably with the desktop adjacent to their lap or abdomen, promoting healthy back support and ergonomic positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fixed desk is used, then the desktop is stable and rigid for work, but the user must strain their back to reach the desktop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a sliding mechanism that allows the desktop to move dynamically between a retracted position (close to the user) and an extended position (farther from the user). This dynamic adjustment enables the user to easily reach the desktop without straining their back, while maintaining stability when extended for work.
2Ease of operation
If the desktop is positioned close to the user, then back strain is reduced, but the user cannot have enough workspace distance
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding mechanism allows the desktop to transition between two functional positions: retracted for ergonomic comfort and close access, and extended for adequate workspace distance. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing both ergonomic benefits and sufficient workspace when needed.
3Ease of operation
If a sliding mechanism is added to the desk, then ergonomic comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding mechanism is designed as a separate, modular assembly that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows the complex sliding function to be isolated from the main desk structure, making the overall system easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain despite the added functionality.
4Ease of operation
If the desktop is extended to rest on armrests, then ergonomic comfort is maximized, but the armrests must support additional weight
Solution Approach 1:
The armrests are integrated with the sliding mechanism so that when the desktop is extended, it rests on the armrests which are structurally connected to the desk frame. This merging of functions allows the armrests to support the extended desktop weight while maintaining the ergonomic benefit of the desktop being positioned at the user's lap level.
Data Source
AI summary
A workstation assembly configured to ergonomically, comfortably seat and provide workspace for a user, comprising a chair having a base portion on which a user sits, and at least one armrest; and a desk comprising a desk frame, a sliding assembly mounted on a desk frame, and a desktop mounted on a sliding assembly, wherein the desk is configured such that the desktop can be in a compact position with respect to the desk frame, or can be moved from the compact position to an extended position with respect to the desk frame, wherein, in the extended position, a distal portion of the desktop is positioned on the at least one arm rest.