Hinged Kickstand Layout for Stable Multi-Angle Tablet Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices are designed for handheld use and lack efficient ways to transition to other orientations for typing or viewing without compromising their mobile aesthetic, leading to awkward adaptations.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable kickstand attached to the device via hinges with preset positions and a center of rotation that conforms to the device's contour, providing stability and vibration dampening, allowing for various orientations such as typing or portrait viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a kickstand is added to a mobile computing device to enable various orientations for typing or viewing, then the device's adaptability and usability are improved, but the device's mobile aesthetic and structural simplicity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The kickstand is nested within the device profile when closed, conforming to the contour of the device body. The hinge mechanism allows the kickstand to be stored flush against the device, maintaining a sleek appearance, and deployed when needed to provide various viewing and typing orientations
2Stability of the object's composition
If a kickstand mechanism is integrated into the mobile device to provide stable support, then the device's stability in various orientations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism includes vibration dampening features that reduce unwanted movement and vibrations when the device is positioned at various angles. This dampening capability enhances stability during typing or viewing without requiring complex active stabilization systems
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism provides preset stops at specific angles, allowing the kickstand to be positioned at predetermined orientations optimized for different use cases such as typing or viewing. These discrete angular positions provide stable support while simplifying the mechanism compared to continuous adjustment systems
3Shape
If the kickstand is designed to conform to the device contour when closed, then the mobile aesthetic is maintained, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The kickstand is designed with an asymmetric profile that conforms to the specific contour of the device body. By positioning the hinge center of rotation at the seam line, the design creates a natural reference point that simplifies alignment during manufacturing while maintaining the aesthetic seamless appearance when closed
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
Enables flexible and stable support for different device orientations, enhancing usability without detracting from the mobile device's aesthetic, while maintaining seamless integration when closed.
Implementation Method 1
Another example hinge exerts pressure on an edge of the kickstand, providing stability and vibration dampening to the kickstand
Data Source
AI summary
A device kickstand is described. In at least some implementations, a kickstand is rotatably attached to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. In at least some implementations, hinges are employed to attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. One example hinge utilizes preset hinge stops that enable the kickstand to be placed at different preset positions. Another example hinge exerts pressure on an edge of the kickstand, providing stability and vibration dampening to the kickstand.