Magnetically Deployed Kickstand Assembly for Stable Tablet Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices often require inconvenient and unstable setups when propped at an angle for use, such as reading or scrolling, as they lack efficient and stable kickstand mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A kickstand assembly for portable computing devices that includes a backplate with magnets and biasers, allowing the lower kickstand plate to deploy automatically by sliding the upper kickstand plate laterally or vertically, and return to a rest position using return biasers, with magnets securing the kickstand in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a kickstand assembly is added to provide angled positioning, then positioning capability and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The kickstand assembly is divided into separate functional components: an upper kickstand plate for manual positioning, a lower kickstand plate for support, magnets for retention, and biasers for movement control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and易于制造.
Solution Approach 2:
The kickstand assembly is designed to be integrated within the device frame, with the upper and lower kickstand plates nested together and the magnets embedded within the structure. This nesting approach minimizes the external footprint and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining positioning functionality.
2Reliability
If magnets are used to secure the kickstand plate, then retention reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical retention mechanisms (such as screws, clips, or latches) with a magnetic field-based retention system. The magnets provide secure holding force without requiring complex mechanical assembly, thereby improving retention reliability while simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If automatic deployment mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The kickstand assembly utilizes spring biasers to automatically return the upper kickstand plate to its initial position after manual deployment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional motors, sensors, or control systems, thereby improving ease of operation while keeping the mechanism simple and reliable.
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 easy and stable angled positioning of portable devices by automatically deploying and securing the kickstand with minimal user effort, providing a convenient and secure setup for various use cases.
Implementation Method 1
a closing magnet having a second magnetic pole orientation that attracts the first magnetic pole orientation of the backplate retention magnet
Implementation Method 2
a return biaser biases the upper kickstand plate toward a rest position, and a deployment biaser biases the lower kickstand plate to rotate away from the backplate
Data Source
AI summary
A kickstand assembly comprises a backplate comprising a backplate retention magnet having a first magnetic pole orientation and an upper kickstand plate slidably connected to the backplate. A return biaser biases the upper kickstand plate toward a rest position. A lower kickstand plate is rotatably coupled to the upper kickstand plate, with the lower kickstand plate comprising a closing magnet having a second magnetic pole orientation that attracts the first magnetic pole orientation of the backplate retention magnet. A deployment biaser biases the lower kickstand plate to rotate away from the backplate when the upper kickstand plate is translated away from the rest position.