Compliant Fin Rack Design for Adaptable Electronic Device Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device racks face issues with inefficient cable management, limited accessibility, poor ventilation, instability, and size limitations, leading to cluttered workspaces, overheating, and compatibility problems.
Innovation Solution
A rack design featuring a base with legs and compliant assemblies with elastically biased fins that adjust to accommodate devices of varying sizes, providing stable support and improved airflow while preventing wire tangling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed rigid structure is used to support electronic devices, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different device sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs compliant fins with elastic properties that can dynamically adjust their position and shape based on the inserted device's dimensions. These fins transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adaptive structure that bends and conforms to different device sizes while maintaining stable support through their elastic recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant fins change their physical parameters (shape, position, curvature) in response to device insertion. The elastic material allows the fins to alter their geometric parameters adaptively, enabling the same structure to accommodate various device sizes by changing rather than remaining fixed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compliant flexible materials are used to accommodate varying device sizes, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure combines rigid legs for overall structural stability with localized compliant fins made of elastic material. This local quality differentiation allows the flexible fins to adapt to device sizes while the rigid legs maintain the structural framework's stability, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining rigid materials (for legs and frame) with elastic/compliant materials (for fins). This composite approach integrates the advantages of both material types: the rigid portions provide structural stability while the elastic portions provide adaptability to different device sizes.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid support structures are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant fins perform self-adjustment through their elastic properties when devices are inserted or removed. The structure automatically adapts to the device's presence and dimensions without requiring manual adjustment or complex mechanisms, making operation easier while maintaining manufacturing precision in the base structure.
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
Enhances usability by ensuring stable, adaptable support for different devices, improving cable organization, ventilation, and preventing accidental falls, thus extending device lifespan and enhancing workspace organization.
Implementation Method 1
a supporting condition where: the first plurality of fins are elastically biased towards the first leg via the first electronic device at a first distance from the first leg
Implementation Method 2
an unsupported condition where: the first plurality of fins are unbiased and at a second distance greater than the first distance form the first leg
Data Source
AI summary
A support rack for supporting electronic devices, comprising a base, two legs, and at least one compliant assembly with elastically biased fins that support the electronic device(s). The rack accommodates electronic devices of different sizes while preventing unwanted movement.