Collapsible Book Rest Structure for Stable Lap Reading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with disabilities face difficulties in reading due to inadequate support for books, as existing solutions like pillows and some book rests are uncomfortable, do not position books at the optimal height and angle, and are not portable or require additional equipment.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible book rest with interconnected panels and adjustable ridges that accommodate various book sizes, featuring optional page holders, lightweight materials, and integrated features like power sources and storage, allowing for optimal positioning and comfort without needing a table.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pillow or blanket is used as a book rest, then the book can be supported, but the support is inadequate and inconsistent, and the book is not positioned at the optimum height and angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport consistencyVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The book rest is divided into multiple rigid panels (base panel, support panel, back panel) connected by hinges, allowing each segment to be independently positioned to achieve consistent support and optimal book positioning at various angles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The book rest employs hinged connections between panels that allow dynamic adjustment of the support angle and height, enabling the structure to adapt to different book sizes and reading positions while maintaining stable support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a non-collapsible book rest is used, then the structure provides stable support, but the device is not portable and difficult to store

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The book rest is constructed from multiple separable panels connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be collapsed into a compact form for portability while maintaining structural integrity when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are designed to fold nested against each other when not in use, creating a compact storage configuration that maintains the structural components in an organized, space-efficient arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If a rigid book rest structure is used, then the book is supported stably, but the device adds heat and weight to the user's legs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidheat transfer to legs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The book rest incorporates a mesh or perforated panel design that allows air circulation between the structure and the user's legs, reducing heat buildup while maintaining structural support stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented panel construction creates gaps and air channels throughout the structure, facilitating heat dissipation and reducing thermal transfer to the user's legs while preserving structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If existing book rests require a table, then the book can be elevated, but additional equipment is needed and the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevation capabilityVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The book rest integrates the base support, elevation mechanism, and book positioning functions into a single self-contained structure that can be used independently without requiring a separate table or additional equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The book rest is designed to perform multiple functions including providing a stable base, elevating the book to optimal reading height, and adjusting the back angle, all within a single device that does not require external support surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 book rest provides comfortable, portable, and adjustable support for reading materials, reducing eye strain and facilitating storage, accommodating individuals with vision problems and those in wheelchairs, while eliminating the need to hold books for long periods.

Implementation Method 1

The page holders of one embodiment of the present invention are spring-biased preferably employing torsion springs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion springs: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8104733B2Book rest

Publication Date: 2012.01.31 SKOLNIK ADRIENNE

AI summary

A collapsible book rest is formed of panels that are variously interconnected by means chosen from hinges, tracks, slots, ledges, and the like that allow the panels to be deployed to form a first, supporting structure. The panels include a rear panel, front panel, top panel, bottom panel, left panel and right panel. A slidable stabilizer panel is extendable and retractable from the bottom panel. The front and bottom panels of the supporting structure define a recess that accommodates an individual's abdominal shape, and the slide stabilizer defines a similarly shaped front edge. The book rest is collapsed by variously disconnecting and folding over the panels.