Customizable Height Presets for Standing Desks
11 patents in this list
Updated:
Height-adjustable desks require precise control systems that can reliably position loads of 50-100kg while maintaining position accuracy within ±2mm. Current systems face challenges with drift over time, positioning repeatability across multiple daily adjustments, and maintaining synchronization between multiple lifting columns.
The fundamental challenge lies in balancing smooth, precise height control with robust position memory and user safety features that prevent sudden movements or drift.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including predictive maintenance systems that monitor motor characteristics, synchronized telescoping mechanisms for stable movement, and smart control systems with user presence detection and automatic height recall. These and other approaches focus on creating reliable, user-friendly height adjustment systems suitable for daily office use.
1. Electrically Adjustable Desk System with Sensor-Based Motor Monitoring and User-Responsive Configuration
Oelschläger Metalltechnik GmbH, 2021
Electrically height-adjustable desk system with predictive remote maintenance, occupancy detection, and user customization. The system uses sensors to monitor the motor characteristics of the height adjustment mechanism. This allows for detecting faults, analyzing usage patterns, and enabling remote maintenance. The system also detects workstation utilization levels and automatically assigns free desks matching user preferences. It can customize desk settings based on user profiles. An associated chair accelerometer signals the desk to automatically adjust the height when the user switches between standing and sitting.
2. Tabletop Height Adjustment System with Actuator-Controlled Memory Storage and Recall Mechanism
Knoll, Inc., 2020
A tabletop adjustment system that allows quick and convenient height adjustment with memory storage and recall features. The system uses an actuator with a button and movable member attached to the tabletop. The actuator communicates with the height adjustment system to move the tabletop. The actuator controller stores and recalls specific height positions. This allows saving and recalling user-preferred heights for sitting and standing positions. It also prevents overshooting the minimum or maximum saved heights.
3. Standing Desk with Automated Height Adjustment and User Profile Memory System
QualGear LLC, 2019
An automatically adjustable standing desk that remembers user-preferred heights for sitting and standing positions and prompts users to spend more time standing during the work day. The desk has a memory feature that allows users to easily adjust between sitting and standing heights without manual input. It also has sensors to detect when a user moves between sitting and standing. The desk can store multiple user profiles with their preferred heights. A mobile app provides metrics on standing time to encourage users to stand more.
4. Table with Adjustable Height and Angle Featuring Control Panel with Mode Selection and User Preference Settings
TCT Nanotec Co., Ltd., 2018
Table with adjustable height and angle to improve ergonomics and convenience. The table has a control panel with icons for setting user preferences, adjusting height, and selecting modes like writing, reading, and standing. It calculates optimal heights based on user data. The table also has a tilting mechanism. When a mode icon is pressed, the table automatically adjusts the height and angle optimized for that task.
5. Variable Height Platform with Ratchet and Lock Mechanism for Controlled Adjustment
Ancra International LLC, 2017
A variable height platform with a mechanism that allows quick and easy height adjustment while maintaining stability and preventing accidental movement. The platform has a base that can be reconfigured to change the height of the platform surface. A control assembly maintains the platform height and allows reconfiguration by exerting a continuous upward force. A ratchet assembly engages between the platform and base to allow upward movement in discrete steps. An actuator repositions the ratchet to allow full downward movement. A lock assembly fixes the ratchet-engaged position. The assembly allows quick height changes with one hand while preventing accidental movement.
6. Adjustable Desk System with User-Specific Height Memory and Proximity-Based Automatic Adjustment
TOME, INC., 2016
A system to accurately set and store preferred heights for an adjustable desk and automatically adjust the desk to those heights. The system has a control panel that lets the user set and store specific height positions. When moving the desk to a stored height, the system monitors the movement and notifies the user when it reaches the stored position. This prevents overshooting or undershooting. The system also detects when a user is nearby to automatically apply their stored heights.
7. Telescopic Pedestal with Electric Motor-Driven Vertical Linear Actuator and Lockable Extendable Members
François Garneau, Matthieu Angers, Christian Rivard, 2011
A vertical linear actuator mechanism for positioning a load like a table at a desired height above a surface. The mechanism uses an electric motor with position sensing to raise and lower the load. It also has a parallel pair of extendable members with connecting bars that can lock in position. This allows precise height adjustment with the motor and also provides backup manual locking. The mechanism is enclosed inside a telescopic pedestal with the motor and sensors. It can be powered by vehicle electricity or operate independently.
8. Height Adjustment Mechanism for Furniture with Synchronized Telescoping Legs and Transverse Rotatable Driving Elements
Konrad Merkt GmbH, 2002
Device for adjusting the height of lift tables and other furniture with synchronized telescoping legs. The device uses transverse rotatable driving elements connected between the upper and lower ends of the inner telescoping tubes in each leg. This allows the legs to extend and retract simultaneously without tilting. The driving force is deflected transversely using a cable pull or pulley system. This provides rapid, synchronized height adjustment without complex diagonal connections between the legs.
9. Vertically Adjustable Table with Ratcheting Mechanism and Toggle-Activated Latch System
Knoll, Inc., 1997
A vertically adjustable table with a ratcheting mechanism that allows easy single-user height adjustment of the work surface. The table has a pair of vertical leg assemblies with inner and outer sleeves that slide relative to each other. A ratcheting latch mechanism inside the sleeves prevents accidental movement when the table is in position. The latch has a toggle that pivots between the sleeves and engages ratchet teeth. Lifting the table engages the teeth, and lowering it releases them. The ratchets prevent the table from dropping when the toggle is released. This lets a user raise or lower the table by pushing or pulling the work surface, without needing two hands or external tools.
10. Stepped Groove and Locking Pin Height Adjustment Mechanism with Pneumatic Stabilization
Ditto Sales, 1996
Adjustable table height mechanism that allows precise and controlled height adjustment while preventing sudden drops. The mechanism uses a stepped groove on the inner column and a locking pin that engages the steps. This allows the tabletop to be securely locked at two different heights defined by detents. The stepped groove provides a gradual height adjustment between the detents. A pneumatic device inside the columns helps stabilize the tabletop as it moves. The locking pin prevents accidental height changes.
11. Vertically Adjustable Table Assembly with Telescopic Support and Biased Detent Ball Locking Mechanism
Oliver Products Company, 1993
A vertically adjustable table assembly that allows easy and stable height adjustment without the risk of the tabletop falling freely. The table has a telescopic support between the base and the tabletop that can be selectively locked in place at different heights. A biased detent ball unlocks during adjustment but stays biased to prevent the tabletop from falling. The ball moves along a track and snaps into a new cavity under bias when the tabletop is pushed or pulled. The detent is then lockable in the new position.
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These patents demonstrate different methods of applying height presets. Some, such as those with memory presets for storing and recalling preferred heights, concentrate on the control mechanism. Others put a higher priority on user participation; examples include mobile app integration for standing time tracking or devices that automatically modify height upon user detection.