Cam-Driven Tablet Stand Mechanism for Hands-Free Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable electronic devices require users to manually rotate and position them for stacking or standing, which can be inconvenient and disrupt ongoing tasks.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device design featuring a tablet PC, base panel, and supports with a retractable spring and cam mechanism that allows the tablet PC to semi-automatically raise and stand on the base panel when slightly pulled, using a three-peak fixed cam and rotary cam system to reduce the required rotation angle and ensure smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tablet PC is manually rotated and positioned on the base panel, then the device can be stacked or stood, but the user must empty hands or suspend work
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure performs the positioning action automatically through spring-driven rotation, making the system self-servicing rather than requiring manual user intervention. The user simply places the tablet on the base panel, and the mechanism completes the positioning autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded and ready to automatically rotate the support into position as soon as the tablet is placed on the base panel. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual rotation during the positioning process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a simple pivot connection is used, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot adjust viewing angle automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static simple pivot to a dynamic spring-driven rotary cam system that can automatically adjust to different positions. The mechanism is designed to rotate to specific angles based on the tablet's weight and placement, providing adaptive viewing angle adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant and cam profile are specifically designed to change the rotational parameter of the support, enabling it to automatically adjust to optimal viewing angles. The mechanical parameters of the spring and cam are tuned to achieve the desired positioning behavior.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support rotates through a large angle, then the tablet can stand firmly, but the operation becomes complex and less smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation path is divided into multiple segments using the three-peak cam design, where each peak corresponds to a specific rotation phase. This segmentation allows the mechanism to achieve large total rotation through a series of smaller, smoother incremental movements rather than one large complex motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-peak cam creates periodic motion in the support rotation, with each peak representing a cycle of rotation and stabilization. This periodic action breaks down the large rotation into manageable periodic phases, improving smoothness while maintaining 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
Enables convenient and hands-free operation by allowing the tablet PC to automatically stand on the base panel, reducing the need for manual adjustment and enhancing user experience through a smooth and efficient unfolding mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The retractable spring is sleeved on the shaft rod. The three-peak fixed cam is sleeved on the shaft rod and fastened on the base panel. The three-peak rotary cam is sleeved on the shaft rod and rotated along the supports, and two ends of the three-peak rotary cam are respectively abutted against the three-peak fixed cam and the retractable spring.
Implementation Method 2
The three-peak fixed cam includes three first peaks spaced with equal intervals, and every two of the first peaks forms a first cave. The three-peak rotary cam includes three second peaks spaced with equal intervals, and every two of the second peaks forms a second cave.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device includes a tablet PC, a base panel and two supports. Two opposite ends of each support are respectively pivoted to the tablet PC and the base panel through a first pivotal portion and a second pivotal portion. The second pivotal portion includes a shaft rod fastened on one end of the support, a retractable spring, a fixed cam fastened on the base panel, and a rotary cam. The retractable spring, the fixed cam and the rotary cam are sleeved on the shaft rod. The fixed cam includes three first peaks, and a first cave is formed between any two of the first peaks. The rotary cam is rotated along the supports, abutted against the fixed cam and the retractable spring. The rotary cam includes three second peaks, and a second cave is formed between any two of the second peaks.