Formable Flex-Rod Stand for Stable Tablet Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for electronic devices are limited in their ability to provide a wide range of positions and do not offer a suitable combination of resilience and rigidity, making them inadequate for users with varying physical and motor abilities, as well as for use in diverse environments.
Innovation Solution
A formable support stand system using a flex-rod prop and attachable clamps, allowing the device to be positioned in various orientations and resisting deformation while being adjustable to a nearly infinite number of positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid materials with cam adjustments are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but adaptability and ease of positioning are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible rod with a spiral wound structure that can be bent and formed into various shapes to support electronic devices. This flexible structure replaces rigid cam-adjustment mechanisms, allowing continuous positioning across multiple orientations while maintaining sufficient structural strength to support the device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible rod's physical state is changed from rigid to pliable through material selection and structural design (spiral winding), enabling it to be formed into different configurations. This parameter change allows the support structure to adapt to various positioning needs while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
2Ease of manufacture
If rigid materials with fixed positions are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation and positioning flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rod with spiral wound structure is manufactured as a continuous piece that can be bent into various shapes, eliminating the need for complex cam mechanisms or multiple discrete parts. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing continuous positioning flexibility across numerous orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from fixed rigid positions to a dynamic flexible form that can be continuously shaped and repositioned. The flexible rod allows users to easily manipulate and position the device at any angle or orientation within its structural limits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible materials are used, then adaptability and positioning range are improved, but structural strength and resistance to deformation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rod employs a composite construction with a spiral wound structure that combines flexibility with structural integrity. The spiral winding pattern provides torsional strength and resistance to deformation while maintaining the ability to bend and form into various support configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties are optimized to achieve a balance between flexibility and strength through parameter changes in the spiral wound structure, such as wire diameter, spiral pitch, and material composition, enabling the rod to resist deformation while maintaining positioning adaptability.
4Device complexity
If limited position support systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but usability for users with limited motor control is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rod's pliable nature allows users with limited motor control to easily manipulate and position the device by simply bending the rod into the desired shape, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or precise positioning actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible rod maintains its bent shape without requiring locking mechanisms or active retention systems, allowing the positioned configuration to hold itself. This self-service characteristic simplifies the system while making it easier for users with limited motor control to achieve and maintain desired positions.
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 system provides enhanced flexibility and adaptability, allowing users to position devices securely in challenging environments and accommodating users with limited motor control, while maintaining stability and resistance to deflective forces.
Implementation Method 1
a flex-rod body member (112) constructed of a resilient material and having a helically wound structure... the flex-rod body member (112) resisting deformation
Implementation Method 2
The stand is provided with an anti-skid sleeve (117) for increasing friction between the stand and a surface on which the stand rests
Data Source
AI summary
A formable support stand system for portable electronic devices that provides a manner to support a device such as a tablet computer in a variety of orientations from a supporting surface such as a tray or table. The embodiments comprise a flex-rod prop, and a fastener for attaching the prop to an electronic device, such that the flex rod resists deformation, but can be adjusted into a wide variety of positions. The stand system is adapted for use with devices used by those with limited or erratic motor control, in order to allow positioning of the screen face of a tablet computer in a chosen orientation relative to a support tray on a wheelchair, for instance. The stand system comprises a flexible, positionable flex-rod, an anti-skid sleeve and is removeably attached to the electronic device by means of rod clamp system. The formable support system is also provided as a kit for retrofitting existing devices.