Worktop Ball Caster Integration for Ergonomic Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workstations lack ergonomic adjustability and safety features for efficiently positioning and transporting goods, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns during processing and handling.
Innovation Solution
Integration of ball casters that can be lowered into the worktop using an eccentric mechanism, actuated by a hand lever or drive, allowing for adjustable positioning and easy loading/unloading of workpieces, with self-locking features to prevent unintentional lowering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ball casters are integrated into the worktop for easy positioning and transport of goods, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of unintentional lowering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a self-locking mechanism that prevents unintentional lowering of the ball casters. The locking device is designed to engage automatically when the ball casters are in the lowered position, counteracting any forces that might cause accidental movement. This ensures stability while maintaining ease of operation, as the locking mechanism only activates when needed and can be easily disengaged when intentional adjustment is required.
2Reliability
If ball casters are made retractable for secure positioning during processing, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment mechanism and locking function into a single integrated system. The hand lever simultaneously controls both the lowering of the ball casters and the engagement of the locking device. This combination reduces the number of separate controls needed, maintaining ease of operation while achieving stable positioning during processing. The unified mechanism allows workers to adjust and secure the ball casters with one simple action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment positions are provided for different handling needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by providing a continuously adjustable height mechanism rather than fixed discrete positions. The ball casters can be lowered to any position within the available range and locked in place, allowing adaptation to different handling needs without requiring multiple pre-defined adjustment levels. This dynamic adjustment capability achieves high versatility while keeping the mechanism relatively simple, as it uses a single continuous range of motion rather than multiple discrete adjustment systems.
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 ergonomic adjustability, improves safety, and reduces effort required for handling heavy goods, while preventing accidental lowering and ensuring secure positioning of workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
The ball transfer units can be lowered into the upper side by means of a hand lever or another actuating element using an eccentric mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an ergonomically adjustable workplace with ball casters that are integrated into the worktop and can be actuated via a hand lever.