Laptop Support Device with Tension Strap and Backstop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laptop support devices fail to securely position a laptop on a user's lap, leading to sliding and unnatural user positions, which can cause discomfort and potential injury.

Innovation Solution

A laptop support device with a planar main body and a tension support strap that wraps around the user, combined with a backstop structure to prevent laptop sliding, allows for secure and comfortable laptop positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple planar structure is used to support the laptop, then the device complexity is reduced, but the laptop stability deteriorates due to sliding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidlaptop stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is segmented into distinct functional components: a planar main body for supporting the laptop, and a separate tension support strap for securing it. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a two-dimensional planar surface to a three-dimensional securing mechanism by adding the tension support strap that wraps around the user's body. This adds a new dimension of stabilization through bodily anchoring, preventing laptop sliding without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the tension support strap is attached at rear locations on the main body, then the laptop position stability is improved by preventing backward sliding, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaptop position stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Attachment locations are specifically positioned at the rear portion of the main body to provide localized stabilization where it is most needed - preventing backward sliding of the laptop. This targeted approach optimizes stability without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The tension support strap acts as an intermediary element between the main body and the user's body. It transfers and distributes forces, securing the laptop through the user's body as an anchor point, thereby simplifying the overall securing mechanism while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the backstop structure extends upward from the rear edge, then the laptop sliding prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaptop sliding preventionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backstop structure is positioned locally at the rear edge of the main body, providing targeted prevention of backward sliding. This localized feature addresses the specific problem of laptop sliding without requiring complex mechanisms across the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The backstop structure is integrated with the main body as a unified component, eliminating the need for separate complex securing mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective laptop sliding prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the forward edge is curved, then the user comfort is improved by allowing natural posture, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The forward edge of the main body is curved rather than straight, creating a more ergonomic shape that accommodates natural user posture. This curvature improves comfort by distributing pressure more evenly and allowing the user's body to relax into a natural position, while remaining manufacturable with standard molding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS12232601B1Laptop support device
Publication Date: 2025.02.25 FOGEL MARC H
  • US12232601B1 patent drawing
  • US12232601B1 patent drawing
  • US12232601B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A laptop support device defines a forward direction, a rearward direction, a rightward direction, a leftward direction, an upward direction, and a downward direction, and includes a main body shaped as a planar structure and comprising an upper surface that faces the upward direction and that is configured to hold a laptop computer, and a tension support strap configured to be attached to the main body that is configured to wrap around a user such that the tension support strap is tensioned between the main body and the user.