Magnetic Adjustable Stand for Mobile Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices lack an effective solution for adjustable viewing angles and protective covers that provide both functionality and portability.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically attracted adjustable stand system that allows for infinite adjustment of viewing angles and serves as a protective cover by sliding across the rear surface of the device, incorporating magnetic detents for stability and user input devices for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective cover is added to a mobile computing device, then the device's resiliency is improved, but the device's portability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is merged with the adjustable stand functionality, combining two separate features into a single integrated component. The cover includes a hinge assembly with a dock that can receive the mobile device, and a keyboard assembly that can be positioned at various angles, allowing the cover to simultaneously protect the device and provide adjustable viewing angles and input capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable stand mechanism is added to provide infinite viewing angle adjustment, then the viewing angle adaptability is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly utilizes a flexible region with magnetic properties instead of traditional mechanical joints or fasteners. The magnetic attraction between the hinge assembly and the mobile device provides both connection and adjustable positioning, replacing complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simpler magnetic field-based system that allows infinite angle adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand mechanism allows continuous dynamic adjustment of the viewing angle through the flexible hinge region, which can be positioned at any angle between 0 and 180 degrees. The magnetic detents provide stable positioning at various angles while maintaining the ability to smoothly transition between positions, creating a dynamic rather than static adjustment system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If magnetic detents are incorporated for stability, then the positioning stability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic detent system is designed to self-align and self-position the hinge assembly relative to the mobile device. The magnetic attraction automatically guides the hinge assembly into proper positioning, eliminating the need for precision mechanical alignment features or complex assembly procedures. The magnetic field provides both the stabilizing force and the alignment guidance.
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 precise angle adjustment and protection of mobile computing devices, enhancing usability and durability while maintaining portability.
Implementation Method 1
The slidable portion may be magnetically attracted to a magnetically susceptible region of the rear surface
Implementation Method 2
incorporating magnetic detents for stability
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, devices, and apparatuses for adjustable stands and mobile computing devices are provided. An example system includes a mobile computing device having a front surface with a display and a rear surface with a first magnetically susceptible region and a second magnetically susceptible region. The first magnetically susceptible region is offset from the second magnetically susceptible region in a translational dimension along the rear surface. The example system also includes an adjustable stand for the mobile computing device. The adjustable stand includes a slidable portion formed with a magnetically susceptible material to slide in the translational dimension along the rear surface. The level of magnetic attraction between the slidable portion and the second magnetically susceptible material of the mobile computing device is greater than a level of magnetic attraction between the slidable portion and the first magnetically susceptible material of the mobile computing device.