Mobile Pivotable Dry-Erase Board with Cam-Based Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry erase board systems are often complex and expensive to assemble, and their swivel mechanisms are mechanically susceptible, lacking robustness and convenience in pivoting between vertical and horizontal orientations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, floor-standing structure with leg stands, a wheeled base, and a pivoting mechanism that allows a dry-erase board to be easily converted from a vertical to a horizontal position using a cam and semicircular flange system, secured with castor wheels for mobility and featuring a handle for comfortable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a swivel mechanism is used to pivot the dry-erase board between vertical and horizontal orientations, then the board can be converted between positions, but the mechanism becomes mechanically susceptible and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pivoting mechanism that allows the dry-erase board to rotate between vertical and horizontal orientations. The mounting bracket is designed with a pivot point that enables smooth transition between positions, and the cam mechanism with semicircular flange provides dynamic locking at desired angles, making the system adaptable while maintaining mechanical reliability through simple, robust components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex swivel mechanisms with a simpler cam and semicircular flange system. The cam mechanism works with the semicircular flange to provide stable positioning at various angles without requiring complex bearings or multiple moving parts, thereby substituting a potentially unreliable mechanical system with a more robust alternative.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex swivel mechanism is used for pivoting, then position conversion is possible, but the construction becomes expensive and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pivoting system into distinct functional segments: the mounting bracket with pivot point, the cam mechanism, and the semicircular flange with locking holes. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and inexpensive while collectively achieving the desired position conversion capability, avoiding the need for a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive components such as a basic cam, semicircular flange with holes, and mounting brackets that can be easily manufactured. These straightforward mechanical elements replace expensive, complex swivel mechanisms, achieving the same functional result with much lower construction cost and complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If wall fixtures are used to mount the dry-erase board, then stable positioning is achieved, but portability and mobility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-contained floor-standing structure with an integrated base that provides stability without requiring wall fixtures. The base with weight or anchoring mechanism serves the function of wall mounting while maintaining portability, allowing the system to be easily moved and repositioned as needed while still achieving stable positioning during use.
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
The solution provides a robust, portable, and convenient system that can be used without wall fixtures, offering multiple tilt positions and easy storage for writing and erasing instruments, enhancing usability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
A pivoting mechanism that allows a dry-erase board to be easily converted from a vertical to a horizontal position using a cam and semicircular flange system
Implementation Method 2
attached to castor wheels for mobility
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a mobile floor standing structure with a wheeled base, attached to a dry-erase board is described. The dry erase board can be secured to the stand at a vertical orientation to give rise to a vertically standing writable dry-erase board. Alternatively, the dry-erase board being pivotably oriented form a vertical position to a horizontal position to yield into a writable dry erase board in a table configuration. The wheeled base adds ease in maneuverability and portability of the apparatus.