Articulated Notebook Support With One-Hand Pivot Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article supports are often complex and time-consuming to adjust, requiring multiple steps and being expensive, making it difficult for users to quickly and easily position them to suit individual preferences.
Innovation Solution
A single-link, articulated article support with lockable pivots and a one-handed unlocking mechanism, combined with telescopic gas-filled struts, allows for quick adjustment and repositioning of the support platform without needing to support the entire weight, enabling easy manipulation and locking into a desired position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional adjustable article supports are used, then the support can be adjusted to different positions, but the adjustment process is involved, time-consuming, and requires complicated adjustment means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking mechanisms into a single integrated locking member that simultaneously controls both pivots. The unlocking mechanism integrates a handgrip, actuator, and operating member into one unified component that performs the function of unlocking both pivots with a single operation, eliminating the need for separate adjustment means for each pivot.
Solution Approach 2:
The single unlocking mechanism serves multiple functions: it unlocks both pivots simultaneously, supports the platform during adjustment through the operating member, and provides a single point of control for the entire adjustment process. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate adjustment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If traditional adjustable article supports are used, then the support can be adjusted to different positions, but the adjustment process is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the unlocking functions for both pivots into a single mechanism, the patent reduces the total number of components required, including locking members, actuators, and control elements. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal unlocking mechanism performs multiple functions with a single device, eliminating the need for multiple separate adjustment mechanisms that would increase cost. The operating member simultaneously controls both pivots, reducing the overall bill of materials and assembly complexity.
3Device complexity
If the platform is repositioned without support assistance, then the adjustment is simpler, but the user must support the entire weight of the platform and article
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that supports the platform's weight during adjustment. When the pivots are unlocked, the operating member provides mechanical support that counteracts gravity, reducing the force the user must exert to reposition the platform and article.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating member serves as an intermediary between the user's manual force and the platform's weight. It provides mechanical advantage and support during the adjustment process, mediating the force required to move the heavy platform without requiring the user to directly support the entire weight.
4Productivity
If multiple pivots are unlocked simultaneously, then the adjustment is faster, but the unlocking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the unlocking control for both pivots into a single operating member that simultaneously actuates both locking mechanisms. This integration allows both pivots to be unlocked at the same time with a single user action, achieving fast adjustment without requiring a complex multi-component unlocking system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to quickly and easily adjust the article support to a desired position using one hand, reducing the complexity and cost of the adjustment process while ensuring stability and ease of use for multiple users.
Implementation Method 1
The struts are pivotably connected to both the base and the platform. When the pivots on the link are unlocked, the struts help support the platform above the base.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable support for holding an article such as a notebook computer. The support has a base; an article holding platform; and a single, adjustable, articulated, link connected at one end to the base and at its other end to the platform. The link has two spaced-apart lockable pivots, the pivots dividing the link into a base link member connected to the base, an intermediate link member, and a platform link member connected to the platform. The pivots are of the type having a locking member movable toward the pivot to unlock the pivot. The pivots are normally locked to hold the platform is a desired working position for a user of the notebook. The support has an unlocking mechanism, operable by one hand, for unlocking the pivots simultaneously. While the pivots are unlocked, the platform can be manipulating by the one hand on the unlocking mechanism to adjust the platform to a new working position and then locked in the new position.