Foldable portable device holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Patrons typically have a portable electronic device with them, but nowhere to place it or hold it on the table. Restaurants want to protect their tables, but also benefit from additional advertisement space.

Innovation Solution

A foldable device holder that can transition from a flat position as a coaster to a position that can hold a portable electronic device, with the ability to display printed indicia and digital media, made from materials like cardboard or plastic, and featuring hinge lines for folding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flat coaster is provided to protect tables from condensation, then table protection is achieved, but no device holding capability is provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual functionality as coaster and device holderVSAvoidstructural complexity of foldable design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coaster is designed with hinge lines that allow it to dynamically transition between a flat configuration (for table protection) and a folded configuration (for device holding). This dynamic transformation enables the single object to adapt to different functional requirements without requiring multiple separate items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flat surface of the coaster serves dual purposes: it protects the table from condensation when flat, and forms a device-receiving cavity when folded. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making one object serve multiple roles, eliminating the need for separate coaster and device holder items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional coasters are used to protect tables, then condensation protection is provided, but advertisement space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadvertisement capabilityVSAvoidvisible advertisement area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The coaster incorporates anamorphic images that appear distorted when viewed on the flat surface but transform into readable, clear images when the coaster is folded. This optical transformation technique maximizes advertisement effectiveness by providing both table protection and engaging advertising capability in a single object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable device holder is provided, then device holding capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice holding functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coaster is divided into multiple sections by hinge lines, allowing it to be segmented into different functional areas when folded. This segmentation is achieved through simple cut lines and score lines that can be easily manufactured using standard cutting and folding processes, minimizing manufacturing complexity while enabling device holding functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12611062B2Foldable portable device holder

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 PURPLE BOX LLC

AI summary

This document discloses a foldable device holder transitionable between a first flat position and a second folded position that forms a region sized and shaped to receive a device. The foldable device holder can include a body comprising a sheet material; a hinged cutout; a first hinge line defining a first edge of the hinged cutout; a second hinge line; and a third hinge line. When the body is folded along the hinge lines, the foldable device holder can be transitioned into the second position.