Biconcave Tablet Grip Leveraging Intermediary Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulty in maintaining a stable grip and balance while operating tablet computers for extended periods, especially when using them with one hand while activating the touch screen with the other, due to the device's weight distribution and flat back design.
Innovation Solution
A compact grip and stand attachment that can be removably secured to the tablet, featuring a biconcave stem for comfortable finger grip and a magnetic or adhesive attachment mechanism, allowing the tablet to be held and elevated for easier operation with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tablet computer is held in one hand for extended periods, then portability and convenience are improved, but user fatigue increases due to weight and moment arm
Solution Approach 1:
The holder acts as an intermediary device between the user's hand and the tablet computer. It provides a mechanical advantage by creating a lever system where the holder's stem extends from the tablet's back, allowing the user to grip the stem rather than directly holding the heavy tablet body, thus reducing the moment arm and perceived weight
Solution Approach 2:
The holder adds a third dimension to the holding mechanism by extending perpendicular to the tablet's flat back surface. This vertical extension creates a longer lever arm that balances the tablet's weight, transforming the holding experience from directly supporting the full weight to supporting a reduced effective weight through mechanical leverage
2Weight of moving object
If the tablet is balanced on the open palm, then weight distribution is improved, but stability deteriorates when activating the touch screen
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves as a stable intermediary structure that anchors the tablet in a fixed position. The base portion attached to the tablet's back and the extending stem create a rigid framework that prevents the tablet from shifting or tipping when the user reaches to activate the touch screen with their other hand
Solution Approach 2:
The holder pre-establishes a stable balancing configuration before the user needs to operate the device. By attaching the holder to the tablet's back and positioning it to elevate the tablet at a slight angle, the system prepares a balanced state that remains stable during subsequent operations without requiring continuous active balancing by the user
3Ease of operation
If the tablet is elevated at a slight angle, then ergonomics and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into distinct functional components: a base portion that attaches to the tablet's back, a stem that provides structural support and elevation, and a top portion that may include a grip feature. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The stem features opposing walls that are biconcave in the plane perpendicular to the hole, creating a curved, ergonomic grip surface. This curvature provides a comfortable shape for gripping between two fingers, improving ergonomics without adding complex mechanical structures
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 convenient, comfortable, and prolonged use of tablet computers by distributing the weight and providing a stable grip, reducing user fatigue and improving usability when operating the device with one hand.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic or adhesive attachment mechanism
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic or adhesive attachment mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A grip for holding a tablet computer in one hand while activating and using the device with the other hand comprises a stem connecting a base portion attached to the tablet and a top portion, with a central hole of appropriate size in the stem to accommodate a finger inserted through the grip. Opposing walls of the stem are biconcave in the plane perpendicular to the plane of the hole in the stem, defining a shape convenient for gripping between two fingers.