Living-Hinge Support Stand With Position Stops for Compact Viewing Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stands for portable electronic display devices are often bulky and do not provide a compact, portable solution for holding devices at viewable angles, nor do they allow for secure locking of these angles.
Innovation Solution
A hinged support apparatus comprising a mounting plate and an elongated base with living hinges, tenons, and mortises, which allows the device to be held at various angles and securely locked using elastic bands and adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stand is made bulky to accommodate portable electronic display devices, then the device can be held at viewable angles, but the portability and compactness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to fold flat against the mounting plate when not in use, with the elongated base nesting within or alongside the mounting plate body. This allows the stand to collapse to a minimal profile that does not significantly increase the overall footprint, resolving the contradiction between providing viewable angle capability and maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates movable hinges that allow the elongated base to transition between a folded position (compact for portability) and an extended position (providing viewable angles). This dynamic capability enables the stand to adapt its form factor based on whether it is being transported or is in active use, simultaneously addressing both portability and usability requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If a stand structure is simplified for portability, then compactness is improved, but the ability to securely lock at specific angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure includes pre-positioned stops or detents within the hinge mechanism that automatically engage at specific angles. These preliminary structural features ensure that when the stand is extended to a viewing angle, it naturally locks into stable positions without requiring additional active locking components, thus maintaining reliability while preserving compactness.
3Strength
If adhesive is used to attach the mounting plate, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of repair and repositioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate includes a reusable adhesive backing that provides sufficient strength for normal use but can be removed and reapplied if repositioning is needed. This partial adhesive approach (using adhesive that can be removed without damage) balances the need for strong attachment during use with the need for ease of repair or repositioning, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged support apparatus that can include a mounting plate, an elongated base, and two living hinges on the elongated base. The mounting plate can have a proximal and a distal end. The elongated base can have a proximal end, a midway point, and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the elongated base can be attached to at least a portion of the proximal end of the mounting plate and the midway point can create a proximal half and a distal half of the elongated base. A first of the two living hinges can be located between the proximal end and the midway point of the elongated base. A second of the two living hinges can be located between the first living hinge and the midway point of the elongated base. The two living hinges can be parallel to each other and can pivot in the same direction.