Smooth Height Adjustment in Standing Desks
Modern standing desks face a critical engineering challenge in movement control: rapid height adjustments must be balanced against smooth operation and stability. Current systems typically achieve adjustment speeds of 25-38mm per second, but at these speeds, loads of 50kg or more can introduce oscillations and compromise precision, especially at extended heights.
The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining smooth, controlled movement while managing variable loads, user force inputs, and the mechanical constraints of telescoping mechanisms.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including synchronized motor control systems, gas strut-assisted descent mechanisms, sensor-based obstacle detection, and adaptive counterbalance systems. These and other approaches focus on achieving reliable, precise adjustments while ensuring user safety and equipment longevity.
1. Adjustable Desk with Motorized Worm Gear and Belt-Driven Sliding Mechanism
JIANGSU XINANRUI INTELLIGENT ENG CO LTD, JIANGSU XINANRUI INTELLIGENT ENGINEERING CO LTD, 2024
A smart adjustable desk that can be intelligently raised and lowered to accommodate users of different heights. The desk has a sliding mechanism that allows the desk surface to move up and down. The mechanism includes a moving rod connected to the desk bracket, a transmission box with a motor and worm gear, and a worm screw with a rotating shaft and belt. This allows the desk top to be raised and lowered by the motor moving the worm screw and belt. The worm gear meshes with the desk bracket to lift the desk surface.
2. Adjustable Desk with Vertical and Tilt Actuators and Elongated Groove Bearings
Victor Hugo Hernandez, 2023
An adjustable desk featuring stable and quiet lifting and tilting capabilities, allowing for customizable height and angle adjustments to improve ergonomics and user comfort. The desk has a movable desktop supported by tilt plates and vertical members. Vertical actuators lift the desktop, while tilt actuators adjust their angle. Bearings slide in elongated vertical grooves within the vertical members, enabling smooth, low-friction vertical and tilt movements.
3. Height-Adjustable Table with Vertical Telescoping Leg Mechanism and Counterbalance System
Humanscale Corporation, 2023
A height-adjustable table featuring a vertical telescoping leg mechanism for easy and stable height adjustment. The telescoping legs slide vertically in parallel tracks to raise and lower the tabletop. A counterbalance mechanism equalizes the lifting force for effortless height adjustments. A brake prevents accidental adjustments, while a torque adjustment allows customization of the lifting force. The parallel sliding legs eliminate rocking and tilting when extended.
4. Integrated Sit-Stand Desk and Chair with Nested Frame and Sliding Limit Rod Mechanism for Stable Height Adjustment
LI JIAGUI, 2023
An integrated sit-stand desk and chair that allows automatic height adjustment without shaking. The desk and chair have a unique mechanism that allows smooth and stable height adjustment without shaking. The mechanism involves nested frames with clearance and connecting columns. The frames are nested inside each other with clearance and connected by sliding limit rods. This allows smooth height adjustment without shifting the center of gravity or shaking the desk/chair. The nested frames and connecting rods provide stability and prevent wobbling during height adjustment.
5. Height-Adjustable Desk with Rear-Mounted Lifting Mechanisms and Enhanced Stability Support Structures
Mateo Goods Co., 2023
A height-adjustable desk offering improved stability compared to traditional desks with side-mounted lifting mechanisms. This desk features lifting mechanisms at the rear, allowing for additional support structures that enhance stability when lifted. This design prevents the forward or backward flexing that can occur with side-mounted mechanisms. Additionally, the rear-mounted lifting mechanisms enable the desk to be positioned closer to the walls, as there are no side obstructions.
6. Height-Adjustable Desk with Electrically Driven Lifting Mechanism and Integrated Guide Column
Guangzhou Weibang Furniture Co., Ltd., 2023
Height-adjustable student desk that allows electric adjustment for easy and smooth height changes. The desk has a mounting frame, guide column, driving mechanism, and lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is sandwiched between the frame and column and connects to the driving mechanism. This allows the desk height to be adjusted electronically, saving time and effort compared to manual adjustment. The electric adjustment provides a smooth motion and allows fixed height options for books.
7. Electric Height-Adjustable Desk with Ladder-Style Frame and Hydraulic Cylinder Vertical Support System
YAMUJINFRIENDS, 2022
Electric height-adjustable desk that allows easy and precise height adjustment without the need for manual adjustment. The desk has a ladder-style frame with vertical legs and auxiliary ladder-shaped legs. The vertical legs have hydraulic cylinders inside and the ladder legs have brackets on top. Upper plate support frames move vertically as the cylinders expand/contract. An upper plate is fastened to the frames and a frame support spans between the frames to stabilize the desk height. The frames have components like bellows seals, rotating frames, and buffer springs to absorb vibrations and prevent distortion. The hydraulic cylinders have internal fluid chambers and tanks to maintain vertical support.
8. Height-Adjustable Desk with Load-Compensating Force-Load Adjustment Mechanism
REISS BUEROMOEBEL GMBH, REISS Office Furniture GmbH, 2022
A height-adjustable desk with a force-load adjustment device that allows the table top to be raised and lowered with a force largely independent of the load on the table. The adjustment device includes a mechanical energy storage device like a gas spring, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic piston. This energy storage device can be connected to a load sensor like a short-stroke hydraulic cylinder or piezo sensor. The load sensor detects the force on the table and transmits a signal to the adjustment device. The adjustment device moves the energy storage device piston to compensate for the load changes and maintain consistent lifting force. This enables easy height adjustment regardless of table weight.
9. Height-Adjustable Workstation with Integrated Position Feedback Sensor
Ergotron, Inc., 2022
A height-adjustable workstation featuring a height-adjustable work surface and a frame. The work surface can move vertically relative to the frame to change its height. The workstation also includes a sensor that provides feedback to the user about the position of the work surface relative to the frame. This allows the user to monitor and be aware of the exact height and location of the work surface as it moves up and down.
10. Electric Height Adjustable Desk with Integrated Screw Rod and Pulley Synchronization System
QUANZHOU QINUO ELECTRONICS CO LTD, 2022
Electric height adjustable desk with integrated control system that allows easy height adjustment without tools. The desk has a rectangular tube with an inner driving mechanism. The driving mechanism has a driving source, screw rod, and sleeve. The integrated control system drives the screw rod to move the sleeve and lift the desk board up and down inside the tube. A pulley system synchronizes rotation of the screw rods for smooth movement. The desk can be easily adjusted to different heights by the control system without disassembly or tools.
11. Variable Height Desk with Gas Strut and Spring-Integrated Lift Mechanism for Controlled Descent
BLUMENTHAL DISTRIBUTING, INC., 2022
A variable height desk featuring a lift mechanism designed to prevent sudden and uncontrolled lowering of the desktop. The mechanism incorporates a gas strut alongside a spring to assist in lifting the desktop. The gas strut also resists lowering forces, ensuring a slow and controlled descent. This design allows for safe lowering of the desk, protecting users and equipment from potential impacts.
12. Synchronized Height Adjustment System with Coupled Controllers for Desks and Monitor Mounts
CKnapp Sales, Inc. d/b/a VIVO, 2022
Synchronized height adjustment system for adjustable desks and monitor mounts that automatically adjust the monitor height when the desk height is changed, and vice versa, without manual intervention. The system has separate controllers for the desk and monitor height motors that are coupled to synchronize activation. This allows coordinated height adjustments between the desk and monitor when either is moved, providing optimal viewing ergonomics without requiring user intervention.
13. Smart Desk with Rack and Pinion Synchronized Height Adjustment via Electric Motors and Central Control Module
HENAN NUOER FURNITURE MANUFACTURING CO LTD, HENAN NUOER FURNITURE MFG CO LTD, 2021
Smart desk with synchronized height adjustment using a rack and pinion mechanism, electric motors, and a control module. The desks have motors and racks on opposite sides that can raise and lower the desk height. A central control module coordinates the height adjustment using a touch screen. This allows simultaneous, precise height synchronization between desks, improving efficiency and accuracy compared to manual adjustment. The synchronized height feature is particularly useful in environments like schools where coordinated desk heights are desired.
14. Table with Protruding Height-Adjustment Handles and Rotational Locking Mechanism
C.D. Great Furniture Co., Ltd., 2021
Height-adjustable table with handles that are easily visible and accessible for adjusting the table height. The handles protrude through the tabletop so they can be seen and reached without bending or searching under the table. The handles have a movable member that drives a rotating rod on the bottom of the table. Locking members can engage the rod to prevent it from rotating and lock the table height. Positioning members along the bottom guides the locking members to specific positions in the grooves. This allows easy adjustment and locking of the table height using the visible handles.
15. Adjustable Computer Desk with Integrated Handle-Driven Height Adjustment Mechanism
QIANGENXUN HOME DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, QIANGENXUN HUIZHOU HOME DEV CO LTD, 2021
A highly flexible adjustable computer desk that allows easy and quick height adjustment compared to conventional desks. The desk has a mechanism with an adjustment handle, longitudinal and lateral transmission units, a sliding unit, and a vertical lifting guide post. Turning the handle rotates the longitudinal unit, which in turn connects to the lateral unit and the lifting guide post. The sliding unit attached to the desktop moves vertically on the guide post. This coordinated motion lifts the desktop. The mechanism provides a simple, compact, and efficient height adjustment mechanism for the desk.
16. Height-Adjustable Desk with Front-Protruding Accessible Handles
C.D. Great Furniture Co., Ltd., 2021
A height-adjustable desk with handles that are easy to access and see during height adjustment. The handles are located on the front side of the desk, protruding out from the front edge. This allows the user to clearly see and easily grab the handles when adjusting the desk height, without having to reach underneath or look under the desk.
17. Computer Desk with Automated Height Adjustment via Sensor-Controlled Electric Push Rod System
ANHUI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, UNIV ANHUI SCI & TECHNOLOGY, 2021
Intelligent lifting computer desk with automated height adjustment using sensors. The desk has a central inclination sensor on the top, a control box at the bottom with a controller, two fixed cylinders with electric push rods, and sliding support rods. The sensor detects desk tilt and the controller adjusts the cylinders to raise/lower the desk to compensate for tilt. This provides automated height adjustment without manual operation or buttons.
18. Workstation System with Dual-Axis Adjustable Pivots for Horizontal Surface Stability
FELLOWES, INC., 2021
A variable height workstation system with adjustable pivots that maintain a horizontal work surface as it moves between fully lowered and raised positions. The system has a base, lift mechanism, lower adjustable pivot assembly, upper adjustable pivot assembly, and a lock. The lower pivot rotates on a fixed axis while the upper pivot rotates on a separate axis that's spaced from the lower one. This allows the work surface to remain horizontal as it moves up and down. The lock prevents the upper pivot from rotating when the work surface is in a specific position.
19. Lifting Desk with X-Shaped Supports and Adjustable Sliding Upper End Mechanism
Shenzhen Minicute Technology Co. Ltd., 2020
A lifting desk with adjustable lifting power to prevent instability and manual lifting issues caused by varying desk loads. The desk has X-shaped lifting supports with articulated middle sections connecting the upper and lower ends. The upper end of each X-section slides on the desk support and the lower end articulates to the leg. This allows the lifting power to be adjusted by sliding the upper end up or down on the support based on the desk load.
20. Synchronized Automatic Height Adjustment System for Desks and Monitors with Sensor-Based User Position Detection
CKnapp Sales, Inc. d/b/a VIVO, 2020
Automatic height adjustment system for desks and monitors that synchronizes desk and monitor height movements without manual intervention. The system uses sensors and communication to detect user position and automatically adjust desk and monitor heights based on that position. The desk and monitor have height adjustment mechanisms controlled by a central controller. The controller receives position data from a camera or other sensor, then sends commands to adjust the desk and monitor heights synchronously. This eliminates the need for users to manually adjust monitor height every time they adjust the desk.
21. Height-Adjustable Table with Independent Motorized Posts and Hand Controller
DONG GUAN SONG WEI ELECTRIC TECH CO LTD, DONG GUAN SONG WEI ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020
A height-adjustable multifunctional table that can be easily adjusted to different heights using a hand controller. The table has a base, two independent height-adjustable table posts, a fixing frame, a table board, a power adapter, a controller, and a hand controller. The hand controller allows the user to adjust the height of the table posts independently without manual intervention. This provides flexibility in height customization for tasks like sitting or standing while working. The controller and power adapter enable the motorized height adjustment.
22. Desk with Independently Adjustable Dual-Motor Height Mechanism and Synchronization Control
Kim Ji-yeon, KIM GIYOUN, 2020
Adjustable height desk that allows users to easily switch between standing and sitting positions. The desk has motors on both sides that can independently adjust the height. A main switch synchronizes both motors to raise or lower the desk as a whole. If the sides don't match horizontally after adjustment, an auxiliary switch lets one side move separately to fine-tune the alignment. This allows customizing the desk height for ergonomics and comfort while working in either stance.
23. Height Adjustable Desk with Dual Energy Storage Devices for Consistent Lifting Force
Ergotron, Inc., 2020
Height adjustable desk with constant lifting force throughout the range. The desk uses two energy storage devices to provide a constant vertical lifting force. One device, like a gas spring, biases the desk surface upwards. The other device, like a torsion spring, biases the scissor joints between the legs. This counteracts the decreasing lifting force as the legs close. The torsion spring acts on angular motion at the joint, while the gas spring acts on horizontal motion at the desktop.
24. Adjustable Height Lifting Table with Mirror Image Legs and Central Screw Mechanism
YONGJIA COUNTY ANBANG PLASTIC STEEL ENG CO LTD, YONGJIA COUNTY ANBANG PLASTIC STEEL ENGINEERING CO LTD, 2019
Adjustable height lifting table that allows quick and convenient height adjustment without disassembly. The table has mirror image legs with sliding supports and a central screw lifting mechanism. A hand crank connects to the screw and a switch stops motor power when cranking. The legs have fixed upper supports and sliding lower supports. A screw driven by a motor raises/lowers the upper support. The lower support slides on rails. Limiting switches prevent overtravel.
25. Electric Height Adjustable Desk with Integrated Storage and Self-Locking Mechanism
WANG SHENQUAN, YANG MENG, 2019
Stepless electric height adjustable computer desk with integrated storage box that allows users to adjust the desk height smoothly and precisely to their preferred position. The desk has an electric height adjustment mechanism that allows continuous height adjustment in small increments. The storage box is integrated into the desk, providing a compact and convenient solution for users who need to carry their computer. The desk also has a self-locking mechanism to secure the height position once set. This prevents the desk from collapsing or losing its height when in use.
26. Height-Adjustable Desk with Electric Telescopic Legs and Integrated Sensor-Controlled Microcontroller System
Foshan Nanhai Zonghua Furniture Co., Ltd., 2019
A height-adjustable desk that allows users to easily raise and lower the desk surface to suit their preferences without the need for tools or disassembly. The desk has electric telescopic legs with sensors, a control panel with a display and buttons, and a microcontroller. The legs can be expanded and contracted using the buttons, and the sensors send feedback to the microcontroller. The display shows the current desk height. The legs, sensors, and control panel are all connected to the microcontroller.
27. Height-Adjustable Desk with Triangular Configuration and Rotational Height Adjustment Mechanism
SAMHONGSA CO LTD, 2019
Desk that can be easily and stably adjusted to different heights while avoiding instability and shaking issues. The desk uses a triangular configuration with connecting members intersecting at the base and upper plate. A height adjustment mechanism is connected to one end of the intersecting members and the other end on the upper plate. This allows the upper plate to move vertically while the mechanism rotates. The triangular shape maintains stability during height changes. The mechanism has a large rotation angle to adjust height with a small stroke. The desk links intersect to form a rotation axis for the mechanism.
28. Adjustable Desk with Tool-Free Height Mechanism Using X-Shaped Bracket and Gear-Controlled Lever System
Jeong Young-jin, 2018
Adjustable desk that can be easily height-adjusted without the need for tools or loosening/tightening bolts. The desk has a base, an X-shaped bracket hinged to the base, an upper plate installed on the X-shaped bracket, a gear unit connecting the upper plate and the X-shaped bracket, and a control lever to operate the gear unit. Pulling the wire attached to the control lever in a clockwise rotation raises the desk, while lowering the wire in a counterclockwise rotation lowers the desk. This allows convenient and tool-less height adjustment without the need to disassemble or reconfigure the desk.
29. Height Adjustable Desk with Motorized Screw Rod Lifting Mechanism and Reciprocating Leg Members
HI-MAX INNOVATION CO., LTD., 2018
A height adjustable desk with a continuous range of height adjustment using a motorized lifting mechanism. The desk has a worksurface, a control panel, and at least one leg module. The leg module has a first leg member that engages a second leg member for reciprocation. A driving device with a motor and screw rod raises/lowers the worksurface by screwing into a fixed block. The control panel operates the motor to adjust the desk height. The continuous range is achieved by the motorized lifting mechanism.
30. Computer Desk with Independent Height, Tilt, and Rotation Adjustments Using Stepper Motor and Gear Mechanisms
HEFEI SHAOSHANG INFORMATION TECH CO LTD, HEFEI SHAOSHANG INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Hefei Shaoshang Information Technology Co., Ltd., 2017
Intelligent adjustable computer desk with features like height adjustment, tilt adjustment, and rotation. The desk has a rack box with a stepper motor to raise and lower the desk height. The top of the rack box has a ball nut connected to a threaded rod. The desk legs connect to the rod and the table top attaches to the outer wall. A rotating device with a motor, gear, and half gear rotates the table top. This allows independent adjustments for height, tilt, and rotation.
31. Portable Adjustable-Height Standing Desk with Scissor Lift Mechanism and Multi-Frame Assembly
John Failing, 2017
Portable adjustable-height standing desk that allows office workers to stand while working and gain the benefits of breaks from sitting. The standing desk can be placed on top of a regular desk and has an adjustable height range. It has a base, intermediate, and upper frame assembly. The lower links of the scissor lift mechanism are fixed to the base frame rail and the upper links have rollers that travel in the rail. This reduces friction. In the power version, electric motors with synchronized ball screws raise/lower the desk. In the manual version, springs bias the desk up and a lock holds it at a lower height.
32. Computer Desk with Integrated Dual Motor Lift System and Coordinated Control Mechanism
NINGBO HUIWUZHOU INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD, NINGBO HUIWUZHOU INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2016
A computer desk with adjustable height that uses a dual motor control box to raise and lower the desk. The desk has a main tabletop supported by two lift columns with attached motors. A control box contains two motor drivers and electronics for coordinated movement of the motors to smoothly raise and lower the desk. The motors and control box are integrated into the desk structure for a compact, self-contained solution compared to separate electric lift systems. The dual motor setup allows precise height adjustment and stability.
33. Electric Height Adjustable Desk with Nested Non-Circular Posts and Motor-Driven Screw Mechanism
LEE JUNG KI, 2016
Electric height adjustable desk that minimizes noise and flow during height adjustment. The desk has a vertical post assembly with multiple posts that stack and slide inside each other. The posts have non-circular shapes to prevent play and flow. The top post has a motor-driven screw. The middle post has a rotating cylinder with guide holes and a fixed pin. The bottom post has a threaded inner surface. This allows the top post to rotate and extend/retract simultaneously with the middle and bottom posts. The stacked posts have stepped diameters to prevent gaps. Compression springs reduce flow during extension. This allows quick height adjustment with reduced noise and movement compared to conventional screw-driven mechanisms.
34. Height-Adjustable Desk with Gearbox-Driven Screw Bolt Mechanism in Legs
(), 2016
A height-adjustable desk that allows precise and easy height adjustment using a gearbox in the legs. The desk has a top plate and height-adjustable legs on both sides. Each leg has a gearbox housing, a top cylinder connected to the housing, a bottom cylinder inside the top cylinder, and a rotating screw bolt extending into the bottom cylinder. The gearbox allows precise vertical movement of the top plate by rotating the screw bolt. This avoids issues like uneven height adjustment and sagging wires from using motors.
35. Height-Adjustable Desk with Independent Electric Motor-Driven Gearbox Legs
(), 2016
Desk that can be easily adjusted in height using electric motors and gearboxes. The desk has height-adjustable legs with internal gearboxes. The gearboxes allow the legs to be raised and lowered independently using electric motors. This allows each leg to be adjusted separately for leveling the desk surface. The gearboxes convert the low-torque motor output into higher torque to lift the legs. A connecting box between the gearboxes transmits the force efficiently. The gearbox housing has an open top to access the gears. The legs can be manufactured separately and easily installed.
36. Desk with Height-Adjustable Legs Incorporating Bevel Gearbox and Folding Cylindrical Design
(), 2016
Desk with height adjustable legs using a gearbox for precise and easy height adjustment. The desk has two main components: the top plate and the height-adjustable legs. Each leg contains a gearbox with a bevel gear that allows precise height adjustment. The gearbox is housed in a cylinder that extends from the bottom of the leg. A screw bolt extends into the cylinder and rotates the gear when turned. This allows the leg height to be adjusted. The gearbox design provides a mechanism for precisely and easily adjusting the leg height compared to other solutions like screws or motors. The cylindrical design allows the legs to fold for storage and transport.
37. Desk Frame with Integrated Height and Angle Adjustment Mechanism and Multi-Mode Controller
DEANONGCLOVER CO, 2016
Desk frame with integrated height and angle adjustment and a controller to seamlessly switch between adjustment modes. The desk frame has a pair of extendable leg frames with a multi-stage frame connecting them. The upper plate pivots on a frame between the legs. An actuator rod connects the lower plate and upper plate pivots. A motor drives a worm gear in the upper frame to adjust angle. A separate actuator raises/lowers the frame. A controller allows selecting between angle and height adjustment. It stores height positions and can set the frame to a saved height. This lets users switch between sitting and standing by adjusting both height and angle from the same controller.
The patents present different methods for attaining easy and seamless height adjustment for standing desks. Certain solutions, such as the use of gas struts for controlled descent and counterbalancing systems for effortless lifting, concentrate on the core adjustment mechanism itself; other methods address stability issues through creative frame designs and well-placed lifting mechanisms.
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