Adjustable Evidence Support Stand for Single-Pass 3D Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D scanning methods for forensic evidence, such as human remains, suffer from high margins of error due to the need for multiple scans and potential damage from clamps or surfaces, and lack of sanitation compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A configurable evidence support stand with adjustable supports and a base that elevates forensic evidence off the scanning surface, using optically transparent bumper pads and easy-to-sanitize materials, allowing a single scan without flipping and minimizing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional cork rings or flat surfaces are used to support forensic evidence, then the evidence can be scanned, but multiple scans are required and the margin of error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of scan sessions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary support structure (the stand with adjustable supports and optically transparent bumper pads) that mediates between the scanning surface and the forensic evidence. This intermediary allows the evidence to be elevated and positioned optimally for scanning without direct contact with the scanning surface, enabling complete scanning in one session and eliminating the need for multiple scans.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If clamps are used to support forensic evidence, then the evidence can be held in position, but the evidence may be damaged at the interface points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability during scanningVSAvoiddamage to evidence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs optically transparent bumper pads as flexible, non-damaging contact surfaces between the support structure and the forensic evidence. These bumper pads provide stable support and positioning without the rigid, damaging contact points of clamps, while remaining invisible to the 3D scanning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Measurement precision

If cork rings are used to support crania, then the cranium can be scanned, but the cork ring becomes topologically associated with the remains in the 3D scan data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan data purityVSAvoidsupport structure visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optically transparent materials for the bumper pads that are invisible to the 3D scanning process. This transparency ensures that the support structure does not appear in the scan data, eliminating topological associations between the support device and the forensic evidence, while still providing necessary mechanical support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed support structure is used, then the setup is simple, but it cannot accommodate various shapes and sizes of forensic evidence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different evidence typesVSAvoidadjustability mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable supports that can be dynamically repositioned and reconfigured to accommodate different shapes, sizes, and types of forensic evidence. This dynamic adjustability allows a single support structure to serve multiple purposes without requiring complex specialized fixtures for each evidence type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

5Reliability

If traditional support materials are used, then the supports can hold the evidence, but they cannot be easily sanitized between uses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitation compatibilityVSAvoidmaterial selection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies particular material parameters (non-porous, sanitizeable surfaces) for the support structure components. By selecting materials that meet these parameter requirements, the structure can be easily sanitized between uses while maintaining its structural integrity and support functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260072139A1Portable Repositioning Evidence Support Stand (PRESS)

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

AI summary

A portable repositioning evidence support stand for supporting forensic evidence primarily for 3D scanning applications. The evidence support stand features a base plate containing a number of mounting apertures, a number of support members, and a number of fasteners. A method for adjusting support of a piece of forensic evidence for 3D scanning, featuring: positioning a plurality of support members of an evidence support stand into a predetermined position, adjusting the height of each support member, securing each support member to the base plate with a fastener, and providing the piece of forensic evidence to bumper pads on the support members.