Spring-Counterbalanced Privacy Screen Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing office furniture designs, such as desks with privacy screens, require disconnection and reconnection of fasteners for height adjustments, which is cumbersome and often requires multiple people due to the weight and size of the screens.
Innovation Solution
A vertical member mounting arrangement using a constant upward biasing spring to counterbalance the weight of the privacy screen, allowing for tool-less height adjustments while maintaining connection to the support structure through a guide arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fasteners such as bolts or screws are used to mount the privacy screen to the desk, then the screen can be securely attached, but the height adjustment requires disconnection and reconnection of fasteners which is cumbersome and may require multiple people
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is introduced that applies a constant upward biasing force to counterbalance the weight of the privacy screen. This allows the screen to be easily positioned at different heights without requiring fasteners to be disconnected and reconnected, as the spring maintains continuous support and connection between the screen and desk
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static fastened connection to a dynamic spring-based connection that allows continuous adjustment. The spring enables the screen to move freely vertically while maintaining connection, eliminating the need to disconnect fasteners for height changes
2Ease of operation
If the privacy screen is made large enough to provide adequate privacy, then privacy effectiveness is improved, but the weight and size make it difficult for one person to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides an upward biasing force that counterbalances the substantial weight of the large privacy screen. This allows a single person to easily reposition the screen by overcoming the spring force, rather than having to support the full weight of the screen during adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If the privacy screen height is fixed, then the mounting structure is simpler, but the screen cannot be adjusted to different user preferences or tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement uses a spring-based system that naturally allows vertical movement without requiring complex locking or retention mechanisms. The spring's constant upward biasing force provides continuous support while enabling free adjustment to any height, achieving adaptability with minimal added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically maintains connection and support throughout the adjustment range without requiring user intervention for locking or securing. The system self-regulates the connection force, providing both adjustability and stable connection without additional components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy, single-person adjustment of privacy screen height without the need for locks or retention components, improving usability and space efficiency in open office layouts.
Implementation Method 1
a constant upward biasing force is applied by a spring to a vertical member, such as a privacy screen
Implementation Method 2
The spring is further designed to counterbalance the weight of the vertical member
Data Source
AI summary
A desk or table assembly includes a support member such as a worksurface, and an upright member, which may be in the form of a privacy screen, adjacent an edge of the worksurface. The upright member is interconnected with the support member using a mounting arrangement including a spring to apply a constant upward biasing force on the upright member. The spring resists downward forces applied to the upright member, and assist upward forces applied to the upright member. The spring counterbalances the weight of the upright member so that the upright member is retained at a desired position when moved to the desired position thereto by either a downward or upward external force applied to the upright member.