Adaptive Surface Design for Standing Desks
45 patents in this list
Updated:
Modern standing desks face significant space constraints when users need additional work surfaces. Standard desk footprints typically range from 48" x 24" to 60" x 30", leaving limited room for tasks requiring temporary expansion—such as document sorting, collaborative work, or multi-device setups. Current fixed-surface solutions often compromise desk stability or obstruct height adjustment mechanisms.
The engineering challenge centers on creating expandable work surfaces that maintain structural integrity during height transitions while allowing quick deployment and storage.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including modular attachment systems, collapsible platforms with interlocking supports, telescoping surface extensions, and portable conversion units. These and other approaches focus on practical implementations that preserve desk stability and height-adjustment functionality while providing flexible workspace expansion.
1. Office Desk with Rotatable Panels, Sliding Block Mechanism, and Modular Storage Integration
ZHEJIANG AOSHI INTELLIGENT FURNITURE CO LTD, 2024
An intelligent office desk with extendable and configurable workspace to improve efficiency. The desk has a base with a rotatable connecting plate on one side of the panel. Two panels can be rotated and connected to the base forming a fixed workspace. A sliding block can be moved on the base. The base has a power component to drive the sliding block. Additional storage boxes can be plugged into the base. This allows extending the workspace length by moving the sliding block, configuring the workspace layout with multiple panels, and adding storage.
2. Adjustable Desk with Extendable Side Boards and Height Modifiable Clamping Block
JIANGXI FURUI FURNITURE CO LTD, 2023
A multifunctional desk that can adjust its size and height for customization and ergonomics. The desk has a central tabletop with extension boards on either side that can be pulled out. Limiter bars prevent the boards from extending too far. To raise the desk, a clamping block moves up and out of a slot in the support leg. The block has elastic members that clamp objects placed in circular grooves to prevent them from sliding off. The clamping block also has magnets to attract metal objects and prevent them from sliding off.
3. Modular Workstation with Independently Adjustable Telescoping Sections Forming Circular Work Surface
UNIFOR S.P.A., 2023
A modular workstation that can adapt to different user needs and requirements by allowing customization of work surface size and height. The workstation has a base with a processing unit and power plug. Four telescoping sections extend from the base to form a circular work surface. Each section has its user interface. The sections can be adjusted independently for different user heights. This allows multiple users with varying needs to use the same workstation without compromising comfort. The circular configuration saves space compared to a fixed multi-seat station.
4. Expandable Computer Desk with Modular Attachment System Using Hook and Through-Hole Mechanism
GU YULIANG, 2023
An expandable computer desk that allows quick and easy expansion to adapt to changing needs. The desk has a main frame, desktop board, expansion module, and connecting member. The expansion module attaches to the main frame using the connecting member. The expansion module has an inner frame with through holes and hooks on the connecting member match up with the through holes. This allows the expansion module to be easily connected and detached from the main frame as needed.
5. Adjustable Desk with Modular Attachment System and Height-Adjustable Core Body
Mateo Goods Co., 2023
Adjustable desk with modular attachments that allow customization and flexibility in configuration. The desk has a core body with left and right support structures. The work surface is mounted on the core body. Modular attachments like monitor arms, shelves, etc. can be attached to the support structures using brackets. This allows users to add/remove accessories as needed and adjust their workspace layout. The desk can also be height-adjustable. The modular design allows for easy reconfiguration of the desk setup without needing to replace the entire desk.
6. Foldable Desk with Clamping Base and Adjustable Extension Panel
MARKERT SEBASTIAN, 2023
Compact and portable desk that can be easily stowed away when not in use. The desk has a base plate with a clamping mechanism to attach it to a worktop. An adjustable extension panel can be extended for use, or folded parallel to the base plate for compact storage. This allows the desk to be converted from a full-size configuration with the extension panel attached, to a compact configuration with the extension panel folded back against the base plate.
7. Benching System with Main and End Brackets for Connecting Vertically Adjustable Desks
SQUARE GROVE LLC, 2023
Joining multiple vertically adjustable desks into a single configuration without modifying the individual desks. The benching system involves connecting the desks using a main bracket on the legs of each desk and end brackets on opposing legs. This allows joining the desks side-by-side or front-to-front without disassembling or replacing the adjustable leg mechanisms.
8. Unfoldable Desk with Telescopic Expansion and Anti-Skid Leg Pads
GUANGDONG AILIN TECH CO LTD, GUANGDONG AILIN TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
Unfoldable boss desk with telescopic expansion capability that allows free transformation based on user needs. The desk has a bottom with supporting legs on both sides, each leg having a pad on the lower surface and an anti-skid pad on the upper surface. This allows the desk to unfold and telescope out when needed by pushing the legs apart, providing additional workspace, then folding back to a compact size.
9. Extendable Desk with Removable Side Boards and Sliding Secondary Desktops Featuring Rotatable Support Plates
WUXI INST OF COMMERCE, WUXI INSTITUTE OF COMMERCE, 2022
An extendable desk that can expand in width by leveraging the side boards of the fixed desk top. The desk has a fixed top with side boards attached at the bottom. Each side board is removably connected to a secondary desktop that can slide in and out. The secondary desktops have cutouts on their inner surfaces and rotatable support plates. This allows them to pivot and expand the width of the desk while still using the existing side boards for support.
10. Expandable Office Desk with Retractable Surface Extension Mechanism
JILIN QIANBAIHE DECORATION ENG CO LTD, JILIN QIANBAIHE DECORATION ENGINEERING CO LTD, 2022
Expandable office desk with a mechanism to extend the work surface area without taking up more floor space when not in use. The desk has an expandable countertop that can be extended outwards beyond the fixed desk surface. The expansion is achieved by connecting support plates on the sides of the desk base, a first connection plate connecting the support plates, a second connection plate connecting the first connection plate, and an expansion board attaching to the lower side of the connection plates. When extended, the expansion board provides additional work surface that can be retracted back inside the desk when not needed.
11. Cordless Height-Adjustable Table with Motorized Central Column and Rechargeable Battery System
Kelly Burrows, Brian Mangubat, James Kim, 2022
Cordless height-adjustable table with a rechargeable lithium battery pack. The table has a central column connected to an electric motor and battery housed in the base. Vertical legs at each corner support the tabletop. Extensions can be added to increase the size. The table can be raised or lowered by the motorized central column using buttons on the table surface. The lithium battery powers the motor for cordless adjustment.
12. Sliding Desk and Chair Assembly with Adjustable Interconnected Frames and Extendable Work Surface Support
HANNAM UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE FOR INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA COOPERATION, UNIV HANNAM INST IND ACAD COOP, 2022
An adjustable desk and chair that can be moved apart to customize the distance between the work surface and seating. The desk and chair frames are coupled together so they can slide relative to each other. An extendable support slides underneath the desk to expand the work area. This allows the desk-chair distance to be adjusted for user preferences and accommodates different body sizes. The integrated design provides a flexible workspace that can adapt to individual needs.
13. Desk Top Expansion Mechanism with Rotatable Panels and Threaded Actuation System
ANHUI BOAO FURNITURE MANUFACTURING CO LTD, ANHUI BOAO FURNITURE MFG CO LTD, 2022
A mechanism for expanding the size of a desk top beyond the fixed size by adding moveable sections. The mechanism has a base, two fixed initial table tops, and two rotatable expansion panels connected to the ends of the initial tops. The expansion panels rotate around a central connection point. A threaded sleeve and screw are fixed to the base. The expansion panels have threads that screw into the sleeve to expand or contract the desk size.
14. Adjustable Desk with Telescoping Frame and Rotatable Sections for Multi-Dimensional Monitor and Workspace Configuration
杭州凯歌实业有限公司, HANGZHOU KAIGE INDUSTRIAL CO LTD, 2021
A multi-dimensional adjustable desk that allows customization of height, angle, and position of a computer monitor to suit user preferences and workspaces. The desk has an expandable table body with extension units on the ends. One extension has an adjustment unit with a telescoping frame, rotating plate, and T-block. This allows vertical height adjustment of the monitor and left/right angle rotation. The desk also has a rotatable vertical section that can extend and pivot. This allows length and rotation adjustment. The desk expands overall size, partitions workstations, and adapts to various workspace configurations.
15. Desk with Rotating and Sliding Expansion Board and Locking Mechanism
NINGBO TAKOU OFFICE FURNITURE CO LTD, 2021
Expandable desk with a rotating expansion board that increases the workspace area when needed. The expansion board attaches to the bottom of the main desk and can rotate and slide to abut against the main desk surface. A locking mechanism allows fixing the expansion board in place when rotated. This provides a larger workspace by extending the desk without taking up floor space. The locking mechanism prevents the expansion board from sliding back when fixed.
16. Modular Adjustable Desk with Interlocking Slot-and-Tongue Mechanism for Height and Configuration Customization
XIANGHE COUNTY FENGYANG METAL PRODUCTS CO LTD, 2021
A modular, adjustable height desk that allows customization of size and functionality. The desk has a base with slots and a matching tongue. A vertical frame and horizontal frame can slide into the slots to adjust height. A removable board with a tongue fits into the base slots to extend the desk. This allows forming different areas like a hanging board for organizing small items or enclosed storage. The adjustable height and modular extensions accommodate users of different heights and preferences.
17. Expandable Desk with Modular Sub-Panels and Worm Gear-Driven Rotating Rods
SHANGHAI YULONGGANG FURNITURE CO LTD, 2021
Expandable desk with modular sections that can be extended to increase the workspace area. The desk has a main panel with drawers below and movable sub-panels on the sides. Connecting frames with rotating rods connect the sub-panels to the main panel. The rotating rods have worm gears that drive threaded rods to move the sub-panels and limit blocks. This allows the sub-panels to slide and expand the desk surface.
18. Desk with Extendable Movable Top and Modular Configuration
ANHUI SUN CREATE ELECTRONIC CO LTD, 2021
A movable desk with an extendable desktop that can be easily adapted to different workspace needs. The desk has a fixed base and a movable top section that can extend out. The movable top has an extendable section that can be activated to increase the desk size. This allows the user to expand the workspace without needing a separate larger desk. The movable top can be retracted when not in use to conserve space. The desk's modular design enables flexible configuration options for different work scenarios.
19. Desk with Integrated Storage Cavities, Workspace Expansion Panel, and Cable Management System
GUANGDONG WENHAO FURNITURE CO LTD, 2020
A multifunctional desk with integrated storage and workspace expansion. The desk has a base with storage cavities on one side, and a panel on top with a storage cavity above one of the drawers. An expansion board can be inserted into this cavity to extend the desk surface. A through hole in the panel connects to a groove on one side with sockets. This allows cables to pass through from the base storage to the desk surface without clutter.
20. Telescoping Collapsible Workstation with Integrated Device Cooling and Adjustable Height
James N. Asante, 2020
Collapsible, portable workstations that can be easily set up and taken down without tools, fold compactly, and can be used while standing or sitting. The workstation has a telescoping frame that collapses into a compact size for portability. It also has built-in cooling and ventilation for electronic devices. The telescoping frame allows adjustment of height for comfortable ergonomics. The workstation can be used in its collapsed state for brief periods like at the airport, or fully set up at a desk or on-the-go.
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Many ways to address the surface expansion of standing workstations are demonstrated by the patents mentioned here. Adaptable designs or detachable accessories are examples of modular solutions. Collapsible and height-adjustable models are among those that emphasize portability and user-friendliness.