Foldable Layered Stand for Ergonomic Tablet Display Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices like laptops and tablets often suffer from ergonomic issues due to their compact design, leading to neck complaints and difficulties in maintaining a suitable viewing angle, with existing stands either being bulky or requiring additional components for support.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, foldable stand with a layered structure that includes a flexible hinge and adjustable angle setting tongue, utilizing magnets or hook and loop fasteners for secure positioning without adding thickness, and a thin, flexible third layer for a uniform appearance and smooth transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stand is designed to support portable devices at an ergonomic angle, then the display position is improved, but the stand becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin flexible layers (first layer 24, second layer 22, third layer 36) to construct the stand structure. These flexible films replace traditional rigid and bulky materials, enabling the stand to achieve ergonomic angles while maintaining a lightweight and compact form factor that does not significantly increase weight
Solution Approach 2:
The stand layers are designed to nest within each other when folded. The angle setting tongue 10 nests within the layers, and the entire stand can be collapsed into a compact configuration that fits within or alongside the portable device, effectively reducing the stand's volume and weight impact
2Ease of operation
If a stand is designed to support portable devices at an ergonomic angle, then the display position is improved, but the stand thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thin flexible layers with controlled thickness to build the stand structure. The first layer 24, second layer 22, and third layer 36 are all designed as thin films that collectively provide the necessary support while maintaining minimal overall thickness. The flexible nature of these layers allows them to bend into ergonomic angles without requiring substantial thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The stand achieves its support function primarily through bending in one dimension (creating angles) rather than adding thickness in multiple dimensions. The flexible layers are designed to conform and bend, utilizing dimensional flexibility rather than volumetric expansion to achieve ergonomic positioning
3Stability of the object's composition
If the angle setting tongue is made stiff to maintain panel angle, then the stand structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The angle setting tongue 10 and panels are designed to self-maintain their angular relationship through the inherent flexibility and tension of the layered structure. When the stand is folded, the layers nest together, and the flexible material properties automatically maintain the angular configuration without requiring external stiffening mechanisms, locks, or complex structural reinforcements
Solution Approach 2:
The angle setting tongue is integrated as part of the flexible second layer 22 rather than being a separate rigid component. This merging of the tongue with the flexible layer eliminates the need for additional stiffening structures, fasteners, or mechanical joints, thereby maintaining angular stability while minimizing structural complexity
4Reliability
If attachment members are added to secure the angle setting tongue, then the stand reliability improves, but the stand thickness and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The angle setting tongue 10 is retained through the inherent friction and tension generated by the flexible layered structure itself. When folded, the natural tension in the flexible layers 22, 24, and 36 automatically secures the tongue in place without requiring additional magnets, clips, or fastening mechanisms that would increase thickness and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible nature of the layered films creates natural retention through friction and tension when folded. This flexibility allows the structure to self-secure components like the angle setting tongue through the mechanical properties of the materials themselves, eliminating the need for thick rigid retention mechanisms
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 stand effectively elevates the display of portable devices to an ergonomic viewing angle, reducing neck strain and allowing easy transport while maintaining a slim profile, without the need for additional securing mechanisms or bulkiness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one attachment member, such as a magnet, a magnetically attractable element or a half of a hook and loop fastener pair, is embedded in an opening in the first or second layer
Implementation Method 2
a blank forming a second layer which is more flexible than the panel members are provided. The first and the second panel members are attached to the blank, such that a portion of the second layer between adjacent edges of the first and second panel members forms a hinge about which the second panel is pivotable
Implementation Method 3
at least one attachment member, such as a magnet, a magnetically attractable element or a half of a hook and loop fastener pair, is embedded in an opening in the first or second layer
Data Source
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Figure 7
AI summary
A stand for a portable device (2) such as a laptop computer or a tablet computer has a first panel (7; 107), a second panel (8; 108) hinged to the first panel (7; 107) for supporting the first panel and an angle setting tongue (10; 10) hinged to the first panel (7; 107) or the second panel (8; 108) and connectable to the other one of these panels for setting an angle between these panels. First and second panel members (7', 8'; 107', 108') of a first layer (24; 24) define the first and second panels and are attached to a relatively flexible second layer (22; 122). Portions of the angle setting tongue (10; 110) opposite parts of the first layer (24; 124) when the stand (1) is in a flat folded transport position, are free from material of the first layer (24; 124). A method for manufacturing such a stand is also disclosed.