Two-Tier Nail Treatment Table for Ergonomic Opposite Seating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hand and nail care treatment tables lead to uncomfortable and unhealthy working postures for beauticians due to the need for bent backs, significant body torsion, and uneven weight distribution, while also requiring excessive space and not addressing the issue of prolonged treatment times and reduced capacity in salons.

Innovation Solution

A two-tier treatment table with a 3:4 to 1:3 height ratio, where the first tier is for the beautician and the second tier for the customer, allowing them to sit opposite each other without changing positions, with adjustable features like UV lamps, storage compartments, and padding to enhance comfort and accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional right-angled work table is used, then the beautician can access the customer's hands, but the beautician must maintain an unhealthy posture with bent back and significant body torsion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to customer's handsVSAvoidunhealthy working posture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the beautician's seat offset from the centerline of the table, specifically 10-20 cm to the left. This asymmetric positioning allows the beautician to maintain a natural, upright posture without excessive body torsion while still having optimal access to the customer's hands placed on the table surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If the table depth is increased to improve work comfort, then the beautician can work more comfortably, but the table occupies excessive space in the salon

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework comfortVSAvoidtable space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the table dimensions by setting the depth between 40-65 cm and width between 60-80 cm. These parameter changes provide sufficient workspace depth for the beautician to work comfortably while maintaining a compact footprint that does not excessively occupy salon space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the beautician sits directly opposite the customer, then the setup is simple, but the beautician cannot maintain a healthy posture during treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseating arrangement simplicityVSAvoidbent back and body torsion
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the simple opposite seating arrangement by introducing asymmetric positioning - the beautician's seat is offset 10-20 cm to the left of the centerline. This maintains relative simplicity in the seating setup while eliminating the need for excessive body torsion and bent back posture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Area of stationary object

If the table width is reduced to save space, then less salon space is required, but the beautician has insufficient workspace for instruments and materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesalon space usageVSAvoidworkspace for instruments
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent sets the table width between 60-80 cm, providing sufficient lateral space for the beautician to position instruments and materials while keeping the overall table compact. The depth of 40-65 cm compensates for the moderate width by providing adequate longitudinal workspace.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2227980A1Treatment table
Publication Date: 2010.09.15 AICHBERGER & HILZ
  • EP2227980A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2227980A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2227980A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The table has one set of two floor parts (1, 2) including floors, where ratio between height (1A, 2A) of the floors is about 1:2-1:2.5. Two apparatuses comprise a UV-lamp and/or an infrared lamp. The apparatuses are arranged in center of a longitudinal side of the table. One of the floor parts (1) is tapered on the longitudinal side of the table, and tracks are formed in outer walls that allow a flexible adjustment of the height ratio. A combination of lockable partitions is arranged between surfaces of another set of floor parts (9, 11).