Hinged Kickstand Support Component for Multi-Orientation Tablets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices are designed for handheld use and lack efficient solutions for stable surface orientation, compromising their aesthetic and usability when adapted for table-top use.
Innovation Solution
A support component with a hinge mechanism that allows the device to be positioned in various orientations, featuring mounting pockets for secure attachment of hinge mounts, enabling flexible operation and protection of the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a support component is added to enable surface orientation, then the device can be used in multiple orientations (improving versatility), but the device structure becomes more complex (worsening device complexity)
Solution Approach 1:
The support component is divided into separate elements including a support arm, hinge mechanism, and mounting bracket. These segmented components work together to provide multi-orientation support while keeping each individual component relatively simple in structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support component incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment between multiple orientations. The support arm can pivot and lock at different angles, enabling the device to adapt to various surface orientations while maintaining a compact form factor when not in use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a hinge mechanism is used for positioning, then the device can be securely positioned at various angles (improving positioning stability), but the manufacturing process becomes more difficult (worsening ease of manufacture)
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism serves as an intermediary component between the support arm and the device body. This intermediate element provides the complex positioning functionality while being a standardized, off-the-shelf component that simplifies the overall manufacturing process rather than complicating it.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex hinge mechanism is extracted as a separate, modular component rather than being integrated into the main device body. This extraction allows the hinge to be manufactured independently using specialized processes while keeping the main device manufacturing simple and straightforward.
3Strength
If mounting pockets are used to secure hinge mounts, then the attachment becomes more secure (improving attachment strength), but the support component design becomes more complex (worsening device complexity)
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting pockets are integrated directly into the support component body as built-in features rather than being separate elements. This merging of the mounting function into the main component structure provides secure attachment capability without adding separate complex subsystems, thus maintaining design simplicity while achieving strong attachment.
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 secure and versatile positioning of computing devices for different operating modes, maintaining a sleek aesthetic while providing protection and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A support component is attached to an apparatus (e.g., a computing device) via a hinge mechanism. The support component can serve as a 'kickstand' that can be positioned via the hinge mechanism to support the apparatus in a variety of orientations relative to an adjacent surface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A support component for an apparatus is described. In at least some implementations, a support component is attached to an apparatus (e.g., a computing device) via a hinge mechanism. The support component can serve as a "kickstand" that can be positioned via the hinge mechanism to support the apparatus in a variety of orientations relative to an adjacent surface. In at least some embodiments, a support component includes hinge mounts via which the support component is attached to hinges of an associated apparatus. The support component and associated hinge mounts, for instance, can be manufactured separately and/or via different manufacturing processes, and attached during a production process.