Magnetic Fold-Out Support for Adjustable Portable Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supporting devices for portable processing and telecommunication apparatuses lack flexibility in adjusting the orientation with respect to display screens and are not adaptable to various supporting structures, limiting optimal visibility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A supporting device with pivotable plate elements and magnetic coupling means that allows adjustable inclination and orientation, enabling compatibility with diverse supporting structures, including laptop screens, monitors, and other surfaces, and allowing for temporary coupling and combination with other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a supporting device uses a fixed pivotable structure with two flat portions, then it provides basic support functionality, but it lacks flexibility in adjusting the orientation of the portable device with respect to the display screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed pivotable structure into an adjustable multi-degree-of-freedom system. The first hinge joint allows rotation in one plane, while the second hinge joint enables rotation in a different plane, creating a dynamic structure that can adapt to various orientations. This resolves the contradiction by providing orientation adjustability without requiring an overly complex mechanism, as the two hinge joints work together in a coordinated manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting device is segmented into multiple independent components: a base portion, a first arm with a first hinge joint, and a second arm with a second hinge joint. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to the overall adjustability while maintaining structural simplicity. Each segment can be independently adjusted, enabling flexible positioning of the portable device relative to the display screen.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a supporting device is designed for specific supporting structures like display screens, then it provides stable coupling, but it becomes unsuitable for other supporting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion is designed with universal adaptability to couple with various supporting structures including display screens, monitors, and other surfaces. The magnetic coupling mechanism provides a universal interface that can attach to any ferromagnetic surface, while the adjustable arms can position the portable device optimally regardless of the supporting structure type. This universality maintains reliability through the strong magnetic coupling while enabling compatibility with diverse supporting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the supporting device and the portable device. This magnetic intermediary provides stable coupling force while allowing for easy attachment and detachment. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that ensures reliable connection without mechanical complexity, and can be applied to various supporting structures by simply placing the base portion on the desired surface.
3Ease of operation
If a supporting device uses magnetic coupling means, then it enables ease of use and maneuverability, but it may reduce the stability compared to fixed mechanical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems (screws, clips, or latches) with a magnetic coupling system. This substitution provides ease of operation by allowing simple attachment through proximity and detachment by moving the device away, eliminating the need for manual fastening or unfastening mechanisms. The magnetic force provides sufficient holding strength for typical portable devices while maintaining user-friendly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling strength can be adjusted by changing parameters such as the distance between the magnetic elements, the size of the magnetic components, or the use of different magnetic materials. This allows optimization of the balance between ease of operation and connection stability. By adjusting these parameters, the magnetic coupling can provide strong enough force to securely hold the portable device during normal use, while still allowing easy attachment and detachment when needed.
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 optimal visibility and adaptability of portable devices and accessories across different surfaces, providing stable and versatile support with adjustable orientations and compatibility with various structures, enhancing usability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the other portion (portion B in the figure) bears magnetic means for retaining a portable processing and/or telecommunication apparatus
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
A supporting device (10) for a portable processing and/or telecommunication apparatus (P; T) or an accessory is described, comprising a first portion (12) adapted to be supported by a supporting structure (L) and a second portion (14) having magnetic elements (M1, M2, M3) for retaining the apparatus (P, T) or accessory, wherein the first and the second portion (12, 14) are joined together in a pivotable manner through a hinge (16) that allows the rotation of one portion with respect to the other, whereby the supporting device (10) is adapted to assume a first configuration of minimum size, in which the second portion (14) is superimposed on the first portion (12), and at least a second configuration of use in which the second portion (14) is rotated at a selectable angle with respect to the first portion (12), the first portion (12) and the second portion (14) being hinged in such a manner that the supporting device is configured to open like a book from the configuration of minimum size to the selected configuration of use.