Automated, Adjustable Coffee Table/Work Desk
Format
SOECS Senior Project Demonstration
Faculty Mentor Name
Kyle Watson
Faculty Mentor Department
Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Artist Statement
The purpose of this project is to design and fabricate multi-task furniture that provides workers in the tech industry with spatial convenience, increased productivity and a healthier style of living. Working while standing has several health benefits and decreases fatigue leading to an increase in productivity. Workers in the tech industry often live in small houses/apartments in these tech cities since housing tends to be expensive. With limited space, trying to fit a coffee table and a productive workspace in small housing can be problematic. This project allows the user to have a sit/stand desk and a coffee table all in one. This was accomplished by incorporating three main motion mechanisms. A scissor lift and ball screw control the vertical motion of the system, a lead screw controls horizontal motion of the table top, and two linear actuators allow a computer monitor to deploy and retract through the top of the table. A button array allows the user to control all three motions along with saving 3 presets for desired positions. Inductive Sensors and force sensitive resistors were also incorporated to protect both the product and the user. The main concern initially with the project was the stability of the scissor lift. This concern was cleared up as it was able to stably lift a group member weighing 170 lb. This easily meets our design objective of dynamically lifting 80 lb. and statically supporting 180 lb. The system can be controlled with google assistant and the powerful NEMA 34 motor allows the table to go from full retraction to full extension in easily less than 30 seconds. Overall, the project is a success as it meets all design objectives.
Location
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Start Date
4-5-2018 2:30 PM
End Date
4-5-2018 4:00 PM
Automated, Adjustable Coffee Table/Work Desk
School of Engineering & Computer Science
The purpose of this project is to design and fabricate multi-task furniture that provides workers in the tech industry with spatial convenience, increased productivity and a healthier style of living. Working while standing has several health benefits and decreases fatigue leading to an increase in productivity. Workers in the tech industry often live in small houses/apartments in these tech cities since housing tends to be expensive. With limited space, trying to fit a coffee table and a productive workspace in small housing can be problematic. This project allows the user to have a sit/stand desk and a coffee table all in one. This was accomplished by incorporating three main motion mechanisms. A scissor lift and ball screw control the vertical motion of the system, a lead screw controls horizontal motion of the table top, and two linear actuators allow a computer monitor to deploy and retract through the top of the table. A button array allows the user to control all three motions along with saving 3 presets for desired positions. Inductive Sensors and force sensitive resistors were also incorporated to protect both the product and the user. The main concern initially with the project was the stability of the scissor lift. This concern was cleared up as it was able to stably lift a group member weighing 170 lb. This easily meets our design objective of dynamically lifting 80 lb. and statically supporting 180 lb. The system can be controlled with google assistant and the powerful NEMA 34 motor allows the table to go from full retraction to full extension in easily less than 30 seconds. Overall, the project is a success as it meets all design objectives.