Device stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for stabilizing digital devices for photography, such as miniature tripods and image stabilization software, are either mechanically complex, difficult to use, or costly, and simpler holders like curved structures and laminations are not ideal for achieving stable support for high-quality photos.
Innovation Solution
A device stand made from an elongated rectangular sheet with strategically placed fold lines, slots, and interlocking mechanisms that allow for easy folding into a stable, compact form, using materials like cardstock or metal, to provide a low-cost and simple solution for supporting digital devices without obstructing camera apertures or touchscreens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tripods or unipods are used to stabilize devices, then image quality improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into multiple foldable segments that can be collapsed into a compact form and deployed when needed, transforming a potentially complex structure into a simple, modular system that provides stability only when required
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using heavy, complex materials like metal and plastic to achieve stability, the patent inverts the approach by using lightweight cardstock material with clever geometric folding structures that achieve comparable stability through structural design rather than material weight
2Reliability
If metal or plastic materials are used for stands, then stability improves, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from heavy metal/plastic to lightweight cardstock, and compensates for the reduced material strength by changing the structural parameters through multi-fold geometric designs that distribute loads and achieve stability with minimal material
Solution Approach 2:
The stand utilizes the composite structure of folded cardstock layers creating a rigid form that combines lightweight material with enhanced structural integrity, achieving metal-like stability through layered paper construction
3Reliability
If complex interlocking mechanisms are used, then structural stability improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stand features self-locking fold structures that automatically secure themselves through the folding action, eliminating the need for separate fastening mechanisms, adhesives, or complex assembly steps, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving structural stability
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a device stand, comprises an elongated rectangular sheet defined by a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge; three (3) fold lines extending laterally across the sheet and spaced apart along the sheet, a first fold line from among the three fold lines being at a midpoint of a length of the sheet; a first device slot extending laterally in the sheet from the top edge and positioned apart from the first fold line; a second device slot extending laterally in the sheet from the top edge and positioned apart from the first fold line, symmetrically opposite the first fold line from the first device slot; a first interlocking slot extending upwardly from the bottom edge and positioned between the first side edge and a second fold line among the three fold lines; a second interlocking slot extending downwardly from the top edge and positioned between the second side edge and a third fold line among the three fold lines.