Work station having a multi-purpose work surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current workspace solutions fail to effectively increase floor space while protecting and storing equipment, such as multi-monitor setups, when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable work station with a pivotally mounted work surface that can transition between a protective position covering equipment and an extended position providing a flat work surface, supported by a base that can be mounted to the floor or wall, allowing for adjustable layout and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the work surface is kept in a fixed extended position to provide a stable work area, then productivity is improved, but floor space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is made dynamically reconfigurable through pivotal mounting, allowing it to transition between extended (providing workspace) and retracted (protecting equipment, minimizing footprint) positions. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs versus storage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface utilizes vertical space by pivoting upward to a protective position over the equipment, rather than only horizontal extension. This dimensional change allows the workspace to be created in the vertical dimension when needed, while minimizing horizontal floor space occupation when retracted.
2Ease of operation
If equipment is exposed and accessible at all times for quick access, then ease of operation is improved, but protection from damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface provides dynamic protection by allowing users to position it in an extended configuration during work (providing access) and a retracted/covering configuration when protection is needed. This temporal separation of accessibility and protection states resolves the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface serves multiple functions: it acts as both a protective cover for equipment and a functional work surface. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to provide both protection and accessibility at different times, resolving the contradiction between these opposing requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If the work station is designed with a compact footprint to save floor space, then area utilization is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal mounting mechanism enables the work surface to dynamically change its configuration between compact (retracted over equipment) and extended (providing workspace) states. This dynamic capability maintains a small footprint while providing adaptability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The work station is segmented into movable components (pivotal work surface, adjustable shielding member) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a compact overall footprint while providing flexible configuration options when components are extended or adjusted.
Data Source
AI summary
A work station including a base includes a work surface pivotally mounted to the base so as to be configured to pivot between a first position and a second position. The work surface is configured to cover a protected member when in a first position and the work surface is configured to uncover the protected member when moved into a second position. The base is configured to support the work surface on a floor surface. A height of the work surface can be adjusted to accommodate the ergonomic needs of different users.