Variable height platform device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sit/stand devices and similar ergonomic solutions often underutilized or misused by office workers, leading to inadequate reduction in sedentary behavior, as they lack effective user engagement tracking and feedback mechanisms to promote optimal usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
A variable height desktop workstation system that incorporates a sensor arrangement to detect user activity and provide feedback through visual and audio cues, encouraging gradual transitions between sitting and standing by tracking movement and engagement, with a lift mechanism and secondary force assist device to facilitate smooth height adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized scissors type mechanism is used to raise and lower platforms, then the height adjustment function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A secondary force assist device is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the lift mechanism. This assist device provides supplemental force during height adjustment, reducing the effort required by the user while working within the constraints of the existing scissors type mechanism structure.
2Force
If the lift mechanism has lower raising force leverage in the lower part of range of motion, then mechanical advantage is optimized, but additional force is required to initiate movement
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary force assist device functions as a counterweight mechanism that compensates for the unfavorable leverage conditions in the lower range of motion. It provides an upward assisting force that counteracts the gravitational load and mechanical disadvantage, making it easier to initiate and complete the raising motion.
3Loss of information
If sensor arrangement and feedback mechanisms are added to track user activity, then user engagement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback mechanism is implemented that uses sensor arrangements to detect user activity and provides information about height position and usage patterns. This feedback loop enables the system to track user engagement and provide appropriate responses, such as maintaining optimal positions or alerting users to ergonomic best practices.
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
Enhances user engagement and promotes healthier work habits by accurately tracking activity and providing personalized recommendations for optimal ergonomic positioning, reducing the risk of underuse or overuse, thereby improving overall well-being and ergonomic health.
Implementation Method 1
The lift mechanism (1016) comprises a plurality of articulated members and has a lower raising force leverage in a lower part of the range of motion and a higher raising force leverage in an upper part of the range of motion
Implementation Method 2
The secondary force assist device (1018) is configured to provide an additional force to the lift mechanism (1016) directed to the variable height platform (1014) in an upward direction from the fully lowered position towards the raised position only in the lower part of the range of motion
Data Source
AI summary
A variable height workstation system includes a base, a variable height platform, a lift mechanism, and a sensor arrangement. The lift mechanism is configured to move the variable height platform within a range of motion between a fully lowered position and a raised position. The sensor arrangement is operatively connected to the variable height platform. The sensor arrangement is configured to sense the position and movement of a user on, above and around the variable height platform for outputting data to determine how the user is positioned on, above and around the variable height platform in comparison to a predetermined target position.