Sliding Desktop Workstation Assembly to Reduce Back Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Office workers experience physical fatigue and discomfort due to prolonged sitting at desks, as existing workstations often require straining to reach the desktop, leading to unhealthy back positioning and reduced ergonomic comfort.
Innovation Solution
A symbiotic workstation assembly comprising a chair with armrests and a desk with a sliding desktop that can be positioned adjacent to the user's lap or abdomen, allowing comfortable working without straining the back, similar to sitting on a couch, while providing a rigid desktop for office tasks.
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 to reach the desktop causing back discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the desktop movable rather than fixed. The desktop is mounted on a sliding assembly that allows it to move between a retracted position (close to the user) and an extended position (away from the user). This dynamic adjustment enables the user to position the desktop at an ergonomic distance, eliminating back strain while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the desktop from the desk frame by introducing a sliding assembly as an intermediate component. This segmentation allows the desktop to be independently positioned relative to the frame, enabling ergonomic adjustment without compromising the structural stability of the overall desk system.
2Ease of operation
If the desktop is positioned close to the user for comfort, then back strain is reduced, but the workspace area becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding assembly enables the desktop to dynamically adjust its position between close to the user (for ergonomic comfort) and extended away from the user (for increased workspace). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the user to optimize the balance between comfort and workspace area based on task requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If the desktop is extended away from the user, then workspace area increases, but the user must lean forward causing back strain
Solution Approach 1:
The movable desktop allows the user to extend the workspace away from the body when needed, then retract it closer for comfortable working positions. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to lean forward even when the desktop is extended, as the user can pull the desktop closer to maintain ergonomic posture regardless of the initial extension position.
4Ease of operation
If a sliding assembly is added to make the desktop movable, then ergonomic comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sliding assembly with rollers and guides to enable smooth, low-friction movement of the desktop. This mechanical solution provides ergonomic adjustability through simple manual sliding without requiring motors, sensors, or complex control systems, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired ergonomic benefits.
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.