Flexible Leg Tablet Holder for Uneven Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hands-free tablet holders lack stability on uneven surfaces, require a flat surface for support, and often have a high center of gravity due to single-arm neck designs, leading to instability and tilting issues, especially when used on beds or chairs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base and flexible legs that run through both sides, eliminating the need for threaded ends and reducing height, providing a lower center of gravity and increased stability, and allowing for adjustable legs to accommodate uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single-arm neck design is used to hold the tablet, then the device height is reduced, but the center of gravity becomes high causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-arm vertical support to a multi-legged base structure that distributes support across multiple points. The legs extend outward and downward from the base, creating a wide footprint that lowers the center of gravity and provides stability without requiring excessive height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a low-center-of-gravity base design where the mass is concentrated at the bottom through the multi-legged structure. This counterweights the upward force from the tablet, preventing toppling and maintaining stability even when the tablet is positioned at various angles.
2Device complexity
If fixed plane configuration legs are used, then the device structure is simple, but stability on uneven surfaces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible legs that can independently adjust their position and angle. This dynamic capability allows each leg to adapt to the specific contours of uneven surfaces, maintaining stable contact points without requiring a complex mechanical adjustment mechanism for the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the support structure into multiple independent legs rather than a single rigid base. Each leg can move and adjust independently, allowing the overall structure to conform to uneven surfaces while maintaining simplicity in individual component design.
3Reliability
If threaded ends are used to attach legs to the base, then the assembly is secure, but the device height and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the leg attachment directly into the base structure, eliminating separate threaded ends and fastening mechanisms. The legs appear to emerge directly from the base, creating a seamless design that reduces height and visual complexity while maintaining structural integrity through monolithic construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding portable electronics is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a base having a first end, and a second end, the first end positioned on one side of the base, and the second end positioned on a side of the base substantially opposite to the first end. The base has a plurality of apertures extending from the first end, through the base, to the second end; and at least one groove configured to receive an edge of the display. The device has a plurality of flexible legs configured to pass through an aperture in the base.