Multipurpose holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile phone holders cannot be folded for storage and are limited to supporting only mobile phones, occupying space when not in use and lacking versatility.

Innovation Solution

A multipurpose holder comprising a base seat, a support rod, and a detent member that allows the support rod to pivot between a stored and propped-up position, enabling easy conversion and accommodating various objects, including those with rounded ends.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the holder is designed to support mobile phones in a propped-up position, then the viewing convenience is improved, but the space occupied when not in use increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing convenienceVSAvoidspace occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support rod is designed to be movable between a propped-up position for viewing and a folded position for compact storage. The rod can be rotated and adjusted to different angles, allowing it to transition from a space-consuming static structure to a compact dynamic configuration when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support rod can be folded back and nested within or alongside the base seat structure. When not in use, the rod is positioned to minimize the overall volume occupied by the holder, effectively nesting the support function within the compact base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the holder is designed with a fixed structure for stable support, then the stability is improved, but the adaptability to different objects decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidobject compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support rod features adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing it to be set at multiple angles and heights. This dynamic adjustability enables the holder to adapt to different object sizes and shapes while maintaining stable support through gravitational balance and friction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is designed with a universal base seat that can accommodate various objects including mobile phones, tablets, and even small toiletries. The adjustable support rod and detent member system provides multi-functional capability to support different object types and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the holder structure is simplified for easy manufacture, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the functionality for multiple uses is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmultipurpose capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into distinct functional modules: a base seat, a support rod, and a detent member. Each component is relatively simple in structure and can be manufactured independently using basic machining processes, yet their combination provides multipurpose functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detent member with its guide pin and grooves serves multiple functions: it locks the support rod in position, guides its movement, and enables the folding mechanism. This multi-functional component achieves versatility without requiring complex additional parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 holder achieves compact storage and versatile use by automatically propping up objects, such as mobile phones and tablets, and can also receive other items like toiletries, optimizing space usage and ease of operation.

Implementation Method 1

a pivot end portion connected pivotally to the first end portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The guide pin is slidable along the at least one guide groove to guide movement of the connecting end portion from the first to the second position and vice versa

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSliding: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11359761B2Multipurpose holder
Publication Date: 2022.06.14 LIU KUO CHEN
  • US11359761B2 patent drawing
  • US11359761B2 patent drawing
  • US11359761B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multipurpose holder includes a base seat having opposite first and second end portions, a support rod including a pivot end portion connected pivotally to the first end portion, and a detent member including a pivot connecting portion proximate to the second end portion, and a pressed portion and a connecting end portion located on two opposite sides of the pivot connecting portion. The support rod is movable between stored and propped-up positions, in which it abuts against the base seat and a free end portion thereof is distal to the base seat, respectively. The connecting end portion is movable between first and second positions, in which it is proximate and distal to the base seat, respectively.