Collapsible Device Stand With Sliding Mounts for Thin Multi-Use Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic device accessories often compromise the thin form factor and multifunctionality, as they are limited by size and provide only single functionalities, making them incompatible with each other.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and collapsible stand and shoulder rest that securely attaches to a portable electronic device, featuring a base plate and a flexible top plate with slidable support mounts that extend into an acute angle position, allowing for both stand and shoulder rest functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stand accessory is added to a portable electronic device, then the device can be used in multiple configurations (stand mode), but the device's thin form factor is compromised and overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support mounts are nested within recesses formed in the base plate when not in use, allowing the stand mechanism to be stored within the thickness of the accessory itself. When needed, the support mounts extend outward from the recesses to provide stand functionality, thus maintaining a thin overall form factor while enabling multiple usage configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The support mounts are designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions, allowing the accessory to dynamically change its configuration. This dynamic mechanism enables the transition from a flat, thin profile to an extended stand structure, resolving the contradiction between maintaining thinness and providing stand functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories are attached to provide different functionalities, then the device becomes more versatile, but the accessories are incompatible with each other and occupy the same location
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure: the base plate provides mounting functionality, the flexible top plate provides grip and protection, and the support mounts provide stand capability. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate incompatible accessories while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate accessories (case, grip, stand) into a single integrated accessory that attaches to the portable electronic device. This merging of functions into one accessory eliminates compatibility issues between multiple separate accessories while occupying the same attachment location
3Reliability
If a rigid stand structure is used to support the device, then the stand provides stable support, but the structure becomes bulky and cannot maintain a thin form factor
Solution Approach 1:
The support mounts are nested within recesses in the base plate when not in use, and extend outward only when needed to provide support. This nesting approach allows the accessory to maintain a compact, thin profile while providing sufficient support structure when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The top plate is made flexible to allow it to conform during the extension and retraction of the support mounts, enabling the structure to transition between compact and extended states without requiring bulky rigid components throughout
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible and collapsible stand and shoulder rest for a portable electronic device is provided, the stand and shoulder rest comprising a base plate securely attached with a back surface of a portable electronic device and a flexible top plate securely attached with a center portion of the base plate such that one or both end portions of the top plate can bend away from the base plate into a curved position, the end portions secured in the curved position by slidable support mounts which slide out from the base plate as the top plate bends into the curved position.