Work station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer workstations are inefficient and awkward, particularly in environments like the airline industry, where they lack flexibility to accommodate varying user needs due to the fixed arrangement of components like monitors and keyboards, leading to space constraints and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A movable support system within the workstation, featuring a panel with a notch and channel for a sliding member, allowing the keyboard support to move vertically and rotate, along with a dampening mechanism and locking mechanism for adjustable positioning, enhancing user comfort and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the video display monitor is mounted on top of the CPU/disk-drive cabinet, then the computer components are organized in a compact vertical arrangement, but there is little room left in front of the cabinet on conventional desks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional horizontal desk layout to a vertical three-dimensional configuration. The CPU cabinet is positioned on the floor and extends vertically, with the monitor mounted on top, utilizing the vertical dimension to free up horizontal desk space. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by organizing components in the vertical axis rather than competing for horizontal surface area.
2Ease of manufacture
If a lower outwardly extending shelf is provided to support the keyboard, then the keyboard has a dedicated support surface, but the workstation becomes awkward to use and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed static shelf with a dynamic, adjustable support system. The keyboard support is made movable along the vertical axis of the CPU cabinet, allowing users to adjust the keyboard height according to their ergonomic needs. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing both structural support and user adaptability, eliminating the awkwardness of fixed configurations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the workstation components are arranged in a fixed configuration, then the structure is simple and stable, but it lacks flexibility to accommodate the variety of users in environments like the airline industry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable and movable components that allow reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity. The keyboard support can be repositioned vertically, and the overall design allows for adaptation to different user heights and preferences, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation design incorporates universal features that serve multiple user needs. The adjustable keyboard support and vertically flexible configuration allow the same structure to accommodate various users and usage scenarios, making the system universally adaptable while maintaining a stable core structure.
4Volume of moving object
If the CPU/disk-drive cabinet depth is increased to accommodate electrical plugs at the rear, then all components can be housed within the cabinet, but there is even less room left in front of the cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing vertical space rather than increasing horizontal depth. The cabinet is designed to extend vertically with the monitor mounted on top, allowing electrical plugs and components to be arranged in the vertical dimension. This frees up horizontal desk space while still accommodating all necessary components within the cabinet structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A work station includes a work surface and a panel with a notch formed therein and a channel formed therethrough. A panel support base is positioned within the notch of the panel, a sliding member is positioned within the channel of the panel and extends through the work surface, a support member is positioned at an end portion of the sliding member extending through the work surface, and an arm rotatably coupled between the panel support base and the sliding member. The arm is rotatable to move the sliding member and adjust the position of the support member relative to the work surface.