Add-On Desktop Sit-Stand Workstation

Gabriel Kalmbacher

Summary:

Some people with back problems (or just the health conscious) do not like sitting all the time, yet are constrained to use computers (usually located on desks), frequently. The goal of this project was to develop an add-on to an already existing desktop that allows the workstation to be converted from a sitting to a standing configuration. It was desired that this add-on would only minimally restrict available desk space, be reasonably compact and light, and be very cheap.

Several designs were considered, all of which could potentially meet the requirements mentioned above. These included a pulley-operated system with pulleys mounted on the platform and a supporting frame, gear and slot configuration in which a motor drove the platform up and down, and a pneumatic cylinder powered by a bike pump. Spring loaded, screw driven, and manually operated systems were also considered, but these systems were less desirable because they lacked the draw needed to raise the system sufficiently or would be too labor intensive to operate.

The option chosen uses an electrically driven push-rod to raise and lower the platform. The primary influences behind this decision were the availability of the driving system, the cost of the parts, and the ability to easily produce the required components.

The design consists of the push-rod mechanism mounted above the desk in a U-track constructed of 2X4 wood beams so that the rod extends downward. Standing opposite this is another U-track constructed identically but holding a cart and rail system that allows the carts to slide freely up the metal rail. These U-tracks are firmly screwed into a ½ inch plywood base for stability. A platform constructed of 2X4's and ½ inch plywood is mounted to the driving arm and the carts on the rail. A foot petal controls the push-rod which raises the platform by retracting and lowers it by extending. The push-rod is powered by 120V AC current.