Lap Desk Insert With Upright Device Slot and Integrated Mouse Pad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lap desks face challenges in efficiently utilizing space when used with multiple objects, as they often lack sufficient support for upright electronic devices and require separate mouse pads, which can be lost or damaged, and MDF materials are difficult to cut smoothly for slots and holes.
Innovation Solution
A lap desk with a built-in mouse pad and slotted port module that can be inserted into any surface, allowing for upright positioning of electronic devices and providing a smooth surface for mouse operation, while using a molded polyethylene material for the mouse pad and a flange to secure PVC coatings on MDF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If electronic devices are placed flat on the lap desk surface, then they can be supported, but they occupy excessive work surface space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by creating a slanted recess that holds electronic devices upright rather than flat. This recess extends downward from the work surface, allowing devices to be positioned vertically, thereby reducing their horizontal footprint while maintaining stable support through the angled backrest and base structure.
2Ease of operation
If a separate mouse pad is used with the lap desk, then mouse functionality is provided, but the mouse pad can be lost or damaged and requires additional storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a mouse pad directly into the lap desk structure by molding a recessed area with appropriate friction characteristics into the work surface. This combines the lap desk and mouse pad into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for a separate removable mouse pad and ensuring permanent availability of mouse functionality.
3Strength
If MDF is used for the lap desk, then durability is improved, but cutting smooth slots and holes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lap desk into modular components: a molded polyethylene insert containing the mouse pad and device recess, and a separate MDF body. The insert is inserted into a rough slot cut in the MDF, allowing the precision mouse pad features to be manufactured separately from the difficult MDF cutting operation, while still achieving a smooth final surface.
4Area of stationary object
If the work surface area is increased to accommodate multiple objects, then object placement is improved, but the lap desk becomes too large for comfortable lap use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by incorporating slanted recesses that extend downward from the work surface. This allows additional functional areas (device holders, mouse pad) to be positioned in the vertical dimension rather than requiring additional horizontal surface area, maintaining a compact lap-friendly footprint while providing space for multiple objects.
Data Source
AI summary
A lap desk includes within its planar work surface a mouse pad and a slotted port for securing an electronic device such as a tablet, e-reader or cellular telephone in an upright and useable position. The mouse pad is substantially flush with the work surface and disposed in a right hand or left hand position for right- or left-handed users. The slotted port is inclined slightly so that the user can view and engage the device's screen while working with other objects on the lap desk. The slotted port may vary in width for electronic devices of various sizes; its depth and thickness accommodating most hand-held electronic devices without obscuring their screens. In one embodiment, the mouse pad and slotted port are molded into a module bearing a flange which can be inserted into a congruently sized aperture in any surface.