Workstation assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workspace furniture often occupies large spaces, appears aesthetically unpleasing, and lacks functionality in environments with limited natural light, particularly failing to provide improved safety and convenience for remote communication methods.
Innovation Solution
A workstation assembly featuring a stationary section with a deployable screen system and surround frame with light sources, allowing for flexible use, improved isolation, and aesthetically pleasing design, including rotatable door sections and a slidable end panel that unwraps a screen from a roller assembly for videoconferencing and enhanced isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If workspace furniture is designed to provide enclosed environments, then isolation and privacy are improved, but space occupation increases and aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation is divided into a stationary section and a separate door section that can be independently positioned. The door section acts as a movable partition that provides isolation only when needed, rather than a permanently enclosed structure that occupies continuous space.
Solution Approach 2:
The door section is designed to be rotatable between closed and open positions, transforming the workstation from a static enclosed structure to a dynamic configuration that adapts isolation levels based on user needs, reducing the need for permanent enclosed space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional workspace furniture is used, then basic working functions are provided, but functionality for remote communication and safety is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The door section serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural boundary, a rotatable isolation barrier, and a mounting platform for the deployable screen system. This multi-functionality integrates remote communication capabilities without requiring separate dedicated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable screen system extends the functionality in a new dimension by utilizing the door section's outer surface as a display platform, adding videoconferencing capability without increasing the footprint or core structural complexity of the workstation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If enclosed workspace environments are created, then privacy is improved, but natural light availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable door section enables dynamic control over light and privacy. When opened, it allows natural light to enter while maintaining privacy through strategic positioning. When closed, it provides privacy while the deployable screen can be used for videoconferencing, eliminating the need for permanent enclosed glass walls that block natural light.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation function is extracted from a permanent enclosed structure and placed in a movable door section that can be opened to allow natural light. This separates the privacy function from the light-blocking function, enabling both to coexist.
4Adaptability or versatility
If deployable screen system is integrated, then videoconferencing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is pre-stored on the door section in a compact rolled state, ready for deployment. When videoconferencing is needed, the screen is simply unrolled and extended to the desired position, eliminating the need for complex assembly mechanisms during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded roller assembly automatically manages the screen deployment and retraction. The spring mechanism provides the force to extend the screen when pulled and automatically reels it back when released, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A workstation assembly that can be opened when needed is disclosed. When closed, the workstation assembly can be aesthetically pleasing and can have a reduced footprint. When opened, the workstation assembly can include a deployable screen system capable of deploying an interior screen from a door section of the workstation assembly. The screen can provide a backdrop for videoconferencing, can provide improved isolation (e.g., sound isolation, visual isolation, shared airflow isolation, and the like) for an individual within the opened workstation assembly. The deployable screen system can also include an exterior screen for providing an aesthetically pleasing exterior and improved isolation while the workstation assembly is in use. The workstation assembly can also include a surround frame with openings and light sources to provide diffuse illumination to the environment surrounding the workstation assembly, which can be especially useful when natural light is unavailable.