Folding Tablet Cover Stand With Hinged Multi-Position Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a versatile and protective solution that allows electronic devices, such as tablet computers, to be easily transported and converted into a stand for use, offering multiple upright positions and orientations while providing protection.
Innovation Solution
A folding stand with two main rigid components joined by a hinge, featuring engagement mechanisms for clamping onto the device, and a stringer with a hinge that engages the other component, allowing the stand to fold into a single piece with flexible material hinges for supporting the device in various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stand is made as a single integrated piece with multiple components, then protection and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into multiple rigid components (first rigid component, second rigid component, stringer) that can be joined and separated. Each component has specific functions: the first and second rigid components form the main structure with engagement mechanisms, while the stringer provides support and locking. This segmentation allows the stand to be compact during transport yet provide comprehensive protection and multiple viewing positions when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand components serve multiple functions: the rigid components provide structural support and protection, the engagement mechanisms secure the electronic device, the stringer acts as both a support element and a locking mechanism when engaged with the second rigid component. The hinge connections enable the stand to function as both a protective cover and a viewing stand with multiple positions.
2Ease of operation
If rigid components are joined with flexible material hinges, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connects rigid components through flexible material, allowing the structure to transition between fixed and flexible states. This parameter change enables easy folding and unfolding operations while maintaining structural integrity when assembled. The flexible material accommodates slight dimensional variations, reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
3Reliability
If engagement mechanisms are added to clamp onto the device, then reliability of device holding is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanisms are integrated into the rigid components themselves rather than being separate additions. The first rigid component includes engagement mechanisms that clamp onto the electronic device, while the second rigid component has corresponding engagement features. This merging of functions into the existing structure provides reliable device holding without significantly increasing overall complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If the stand folds into a compact configuration, then portability is improved, but the ability to support multiple orientations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connections enable the stand components to dynamically adjust between different configurations. When assembled, the rigid components and stringer can be positioned at various angles to support the electronic device in multiple orientations (landscape, portrait, different viewing angles). When not in use, the same components fold into a compact flat configuration for portable storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding stand may attach to an electronic device for transportation in one configuration and may fold into a second configuration to hold the electronic device for use. The folding stand may have two main rigid components that are joined by a hinge. Each of the rigid components may have engagement mechanisms that clamp onto the electronic device in the first configuration and hold the device in one of several upright positions in the second configuration. A stringer may be attached to one of the rigid components with a hinge and may engage the other rigid component with a snap or other mechanism. In some embodiments, the entire stand may be a single piece manufactured from rigid plastic components joined with a second, flexible material that may provide one or more of the hinges in the stand.