The Qdesk^®

The unique design of the Qdesk® is the result of a series of rigorous tests and user surveys which resulted in an amazingly innovative new product.

The Qdesk® design was part of a strategic program aimed at developing innovative new products using top of the line technology and sustainable manufacturing practices to help preserve the environment.

Qdesk^® Design Data Sheet

The design of a school desk made through the rota-mould process, began in the year 2006. The company QProducts®, LLC requested support of INDESCA for a design of a school desk to be made using the rota-moulding process. During the year 2007, designs of the school desks were developed in accordance with the international norms and an initial version was made with a test mould.

As a result, versions of the Qdesk® models were produced. The dimensions of these models made complied with the international norms 1650-89. Computer simulations were used to ratify and verify the mechanical performance of the different versions that were showing up in the optimization process. This process was searching for better ergonomic characteristics and at the same time making it stiffer than the pilot version.

The dimensions of each model and the final product, compliant with the international norms are as follows:

In every case the dimensions presented are in compliance with international norms, as well as other norms that are important to the ergonomics of the user, like the space between the seat and the lower part of the desk top (leg room).

MECHANICAL SIMULATIONS

Several simulations were made up in which the dimensions of the school desk were modified, until a set of dimensions were found that were within the international norms and at the same timepresented a better mechanical performance.

Under which the simulations were done, on all models (Small, Medium, Large), where the red arrows indicate the loads and the green arrows, lesser size, indicate restriction of movements of the school desk, that, in this case, simulate floor support. The applied loads in each zone depended on the model under study, and the values are shown in Table 1. The load on all models was the same 12 lbs) (5.5Kg), which is about the weight of four (4) heavy books.

IMPACT SIMULATION MODEL of a concrete plaque falling on the school desk: QProducts® tested the performance of the school desk in a condition in which a load generated by a falling plaque of concrete (the roof of a building) over the plastic school desks.

This simulation of a falling load was done using one concrete block over a school desk. The case study was with a Medium model. A concrete block of 0.7 m2 with a weight of 500kg (1100lbs) from a height of 7, 5 ft (2.5 m), was to fall on the school desk. The permanent deformations of the school desk were taken into account in the simulations.

QDESK® TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Material used: medium density polyethylene

Plastic processing technique used: Rotomolding

International standards: ISO 5970, Japanese Industrial Standard JIS S 1021 - 1991, Colombian Technical Standard NTC 4641, and standard ASTM F 1561-

Description:	Small (aprox 2 to 6 years old)	Medium (aprox.6 to 10 years old)	Large (aprox. 10 to 13 years old.)
User’s height	4.2 - 4.6 ft	4.6 - 5.1 ft	5.1 ft on
Desk weight	15 lbs	19 lbs	24 lbs
Seat load	132 lbs	176 lbs	220 lbs
Back load	66 lbs	80 lbs	100 lbs
Table load	24 lbs	24 lbs	24 lbs
Maximum movement of the table	0.7 in	0.6 in	1.1 in
Impact load without collapsing from 8.2 ft height	1100 lbs	1100 lbs	1100 lbs

Our innovation method, is to make products better! Taking into consideration the product-purpose, the end-user need and wants, potential to market, responsible processes and technologies, and of course the environment.