Height adjustable device with concealed lift mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height adjustable devices require significant space for their counterbalance mechanisms, making them unsuitable for areas with limited clearance, and they often have a cluttered visual appearance due to exposed mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustable device with a counterbalance mechanism designed to have a thin width profile, allowing it to be concealed within a wall, and a self-contained, collapsible workstation assembly that can be easily reconfigured for minimal space usage, featuring a concealed lift mechanism and adjustable worksurfaces and displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a counterbalance mechanism is designed with sufficient space for proper operation, then the reliability and functionality of the height adjustment system is improved, but the device occupies more space and cannot be concealed in walls with limited depth
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance mechanism is nested within the wall structure itself, with the mounting member extending through the wall panel. The mechanism fits within the wall cavity like a nested component, allowing the wall to serve dual purposes as both structural element and housing for the adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a deep protruding mechanism to a thin-profile mechanism that operates within the wall's depth dimension. By reorienting the mechanism to work within the wall's existing depth rather than requiring additional protrusion, the solution accommodates standard wall depths of 3.5 inches or less.
2Strength
If the counterbalance mechanism is exposed, then the structural integrity and accessibility of the device is improved, but the visual appearance becomes cluttered and less aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance mechanism is extracted from the visible workspace area and relocated to the wall cavity. This separation removes the visually distracting mechanical components from the user's field of view while maintaining their structural function through the mounting member that extends through the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall panel serves as an intermediary element that conceals the counterbalance mechanism while still allowing it to function. The mounting member acts as a mediator, transmitting the mechanical action from the concealed mechanism to the worksurface, bridging the gap between hidden mechanism and visible function.
3Ease of operation
If the mounting member extends through the wall panel, then the ease of operation and accessibility of the worksurface adjustment is improved, but the device requires more space and creates a larger profile
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the counterbalance mechanism resides in the wall cavity, the mounting member passes through the panel thickness, and the worksurface extends into the room. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while minimizing overall space requirements.
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 solution provides a space-saving, visually clean height adjustable solution for workstations that can be easily installed in constrained areas, such as hospital hallways or cruise ships, while allowing for flexible configuration and minimal user effort in adjusting the height of worksurfaces and displays.
Implementation Method 1
The counterbalance mechanism can include an energy storage member that can support the weight of items attached to the mounting member
Data Source
AI summary
A height adjustable device including a counterbalance mechanism configured to be affixed adjacent to a rear portion of a vertical support member, a worksurface configured to be affixed adjacent to a front portion of the vertical support member, and a mounting member configured to slidably couple the worksurface to the counterbalance mechanism; wherein a portion of the mounting member extends through an opening defined in the vertical support member.