Desk addition for raising and lowering monitor/keyboard/mouse setup

  • Thread starter Thread starter workindan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Addition
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around designing a custom desk addition that allows for the raising and lowering of a monitor, keyboard, and mouse setup. Participants explore various mechanisms and ideas for achieving this functionality, including considerations for weight capacity and stability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares an incomplete design for a desk addition inspired by the "Ergotron Workfit" and seeks ideas for a platform that can raise and lower approximately 30-35lbs.
  • Another participant suggests using a spring mechanism combined with a rail system for lifting capacity.
  • There is a proposal to consider hydraulic systems as an alternative to springs for lifting.
  • A suggestion is made to incorporate a locking mechanism for the desk position, such as drilling holes for pins or dowels, and to make the weight adjustable for future changes.
  • One participant expresses intent to experiment with the counterweight concept and share results later.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing ideas regarding the mechanisms for raising and lowering the desk addition, including springs, hydraulics, and counterweights. There is no consensus on the best approach, and the discussion remains open-ended.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of their proposed mechanisms, such as the specific design challenges or the feasibility of each suggestion. The discussion lacks detailed technical specifications and assumptions about materials or construction methods.

workindan
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I'm looking to build my own desk addition that will allow me to raise and lower my work setup (keyboard, mouse and monitor) any time I like and with a fair amount of ease. I was inspired by the "Ergotron Workfit" but find the price tag beyond my range for now.

Attached is a laughably incomplete design...but it's in the right direction:
1) you can set it on top of and clamp it to your current desk
2) It's simple

Obviously the thing I've got here would fall apart...but does anyone have any ideas on how to get a platform to raise and lower around 30-35lbs?

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22827/photos/deskaddition.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22827/photos/deskaddition.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
workindan said:
I'm looking to build my own desk addition that will allow me to raise and lower my work setup (keyboard, mouse and monitor) any time I like and with a fair amount of ease. I was inspired by the "Ergotron Workfit" but find the price tag beyond my range for now.

Attached is a laughably incomplete design...but it's in the right direction:
1) you can set it on top of and clamp it to your current desk
2) It's simple

Obviously the thing I've got here would fall apart...but does anyone have any ideas on how to get a platform to raise and lower around 30-35lbs?

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22827/photos/deskaddition.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22827/photos/deskaddition.jpg

Welcome to the PF.

The link doesn't appear to work. Can you fix it or re-post a link?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Checked it on my iphone and another computer, the link shows up fine. Is it not loading for you? -->

LINK: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22827/photos/deskaddition.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
How about a spring for the lifting capacity? Then have the desk on a rail system.
 
Is that the best way to go? What about hydraulics?
 
The counterweight concept is fine, just add a method to lock the desk position. That can be as simple as drilling holes in the frame for pins/dowels (similar to the way adjustable shelving is supported), but there are myriad options available.
Also, you might want to make the weight adjustable to account for future changes in the load.
 
I'll try the counterweight out and see what I get built. I'll post pics when I get something together.