System for detecting usage and position of a height adjustable work surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous systems for detecting usage and position of height adjustable work surfaces faced issues such as limited adaptability, inaccuracy in detecting user presence, and inability to connect with non-electric desks, leading to inadequate user engagement in healthy standing-sitting cycles.
Innovation Solution
A smart hub device with sensors and a gateway feature that tracks height and occupancy, sending data to the Cloud for analysis, and supports Bluetooth Low Energy devices, allowing universal compatibility with various desk types and settings, including home offices, without requiring persistent phone connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate central or base station device is required to connect to the Internet, then full near and remote functionality is achieved, but the system becomes unsuitable for small offices or home office use due to complexity and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the Internet connectivity functionality directly into the smart hub device itself, eliminating the need for a separate central or base station device. The smart hub includes both Bluetooth Low Energy wireless communication interface for local device pairing and Wi-Fi wireless communication interface for Internet connectivity, combining multiple functions into a single compact unit suitable for small offices and home offices.
2Ease of manufacture
If the system is designed to work only with electrically operated desks, then control functionality is simplified, but the system cannot be used with non-electric types of work surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that can work with both electrically operated desks and non-electric desks. The smart hub device can detect desk height position through various sensors and can control electric desks when present, while also functioning with manual desks by tracking position changes. The system adapts to different desk types without requiring separate specialized systems.
3Ease of operation
If Bluetooth Low Energy persistent communications to a phone system are required, then interactive functionality is maintained, but the system cannot be used in settings without phone connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the smart hub device to independently connect to the Internet via its integrated Wi-Fi interface and autonomously retrieve data and send notifications without requiring persistent Bluetooth Low Energy communication with a phone. The device can function standalone in settings without phone connectivity, while still providing full functionality including desk position tracking, occupancy detection, and wellness goal monitoring.
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
The system effectively tracks and encourages users to alternate between standing and sitting, providing accurate data and reminders, enhancing user engagement and wellness goals by integrating with multiple desk types and environments.
Implementation Method 1
A smart hub device with sensors tracks height and occupancy
Implementation Method 2
This information can be sent to the Cloud using Wi-Fi
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting usage and position of a height adjustable work surface is disclosed that includes a smart hub device that uses a set of sensors to collect sensor data to determine whether a work area is occupied or unoccupied, and to also collect work area usage data for further analysis regarding the details of usage of the work area.