Bistable Spring Stand Housing with Raised Planar Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld device mounting accessories, such as bistable spring stands and housings, fail to securely hold devices in vehicle slots and are unstable on flat surfaces, often changing positions unintentionally due to external pressure.
Innovation Solution
A bistable spring stand and housing design with a housing featuring a bistable spring that can be securely mounted in various environments, including vehicle air vents, and includes raised members for stability and a ferromagnetic member for magnetic mounting, ensuring the device remains in place without unexpected position changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bistable spring stand is used to provide extendable support, then the device can be positioned upright on tables or held between fingers, but the curved surface of the spring causes the device to rock back and forth on flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A planar surface is introduced as an intermediary between the curved bistable spring and the flat supporting surface. This planar interface eliminates the rocking motion by providing a stable contact area, while the spring remains recessed within this planar surface to maintain its positioning function without causing instability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bistable spring stand is used to provide extendable support, then the device can be mounted in various positions, but the spring extends unintentionally when small pressure is applied, such as when stored in a pocket
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is recessed within the planar surface of the housing, creating a protective structure that prevents unintended activation. This recessed configuration provides preliminary protection against external pressure by requiring greater force to activate the spring, thereby preventing false extension during storage or handling.
3Ease of operation
If prior art extendable stands and housings are used, then the device can be held upright, but they do not securely hold the device within vehicle slots such as air vents or CD player slots
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with multiple functional features: a planar mounting surface for secure attachment to various surfaces including vehicle slots, and a recessed bistable spring mechanism that can provide both upright positioning and stable flat surface support. This multi-functional design allows the device to be securely mounted in diverse environments while maintaining operational stability.
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
The design provides a stable and secure mounting solution for handheld devices in various environments, preventing unintentional position changes and ensuring the device remains securely attached, even in slots or on flat surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a ferromagnetic member for magnetic mounting
Implementation Method 2
A bistable spring can be coupled to the housing and can have a first end and a second end and can define an outward facing surface therebetween. The bistable spring can be moveable between a first position and a second position, in the first position the bistable spring can be substantially flat between the first and second end, and in the second position the bistable spring can define a longitudinal curve outward from the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A bistable spring stand and housing for a handheld device which can be reliably mounted in environments where users commonly mount handheld devices is disclosed. Embodiments include a housing and a bistable spring stand coupled to the housing. The bistable spring stand is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the bistable spring stand is substantially flat between its first and second ends and in the second position the bistable spring stand defines a longitudinal curve outward from the housing between its first and second ends. At least one embodiment includes a plurality of raised members forming a perimeter around the bistable spring stand, the raised members defining a planar support surface to provide a stable resting surface for the housing and handheld device when the bistable spring stand is in the first position.