Collapsible Kiosk Support With Locking Housing for Site Document Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction productivity is hindered by the need for real-time access and updates to construction documents, difficulties in accessing and updating documents on small personal electronic devices, bulkiness of toolboxes, exposure to elements, and lack of secure mounting for electronic devices at construction sites.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible support structure for removable electronic devices with a touch screen, featuring a locking mechanism, water-resistant housing, foldable design, and casters for easy transport, allowing secure and upright positioning with a graphic user interface accessible to multiple users, and protection from environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If construction documents are printed and delivered by courier, then document access is provided, but time consumption increases and project progress is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical courier delivery system with a digital electronic document system accessible through mobile devices and kiosks, eliminating physical transport and enabling instant document access and real-time updates across the construction team
Solution Approach 2:
The kiosk device serves multiple functions: displaying construction documents, enabling real-time updates, providing document access to multiple users, and facilitating collaboration, thereby replacing multiple separate processes with a single multi-functional system
2Ease of operation
If personal electronic devices are used for document access, then real-time access is enabled, but the small screen size limits group accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from individual handheld device viewing to a shared kiosk-based viewing experience, allowing multiple users to simultaneously access and view documents on a large screen at a centralized location, thereby expanding accessibility from individual to group level
3Ease of operation
If a rolling steel toolbox is used to house the computer, then portability is provided, but the bulkiness inhibits ease of transporting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computer and document storage from the bulky steel toolbox and integrates them into a streamlined kiosk system with a smaller, more efficient housing that maintains portability while reducing overall volume and bulk
4Ease of operation
If the computer is placed on the toolbox, then document access is enabled, but exposure to elements causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective housing and environmental shielding into the kiosk design before deployment, creating a protective barrier against rain, snow, sunlight, and construction debris that prevents damage to the electronic components
5Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device is removably connected to the kiosk stand, then flexibility is provided, but lack of locking mechanism allows tampering or theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system that can transition between locked and unlocked states, allowing the electronic device to be securely mounted during operation and easily removed for charging or maintenance by authorized users, while preventing unauthorized access
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible support structure for a removable electronic device. The electronic device having a touch screen configured for a user to access at least one predetermined construction document and/or application is removably connected to the support structure. The electronic device may be retained in a housing configured to be water resistant and/or impact resistant. The support structure may have a locking mechanism configured for an authorized user to gain access to remove the electronic device from the support structure, thereby, preventing an unauthorized user from gaining access for removal of the electronic device from the support structure. The support structure is configured to be foldable in a closed orientation during storage. The support stand may have a plurality of casters connected thereto.