Collapsible Modular Easel Stand With Snap-Lock Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing easel designs are either non-adjustable, not portable, or overly complex due to multiple parts, failing to accommodate objects of varying widths and angles effectively, while also increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible, two-part easel with a flat panel and a snap-lock pivoting barrel-hinge device allows for adjustable viewing angles and modular connectivity, using a planar strip to create a stable shelf for objects, eliminating the need for hinges and reducing parts, enabling compactness and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple parts including hinges are used to connect the parts of the easel together, then the easel can be collapsed for portability, but the complexity and cost of manufacturing is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (panels, hinges, connectors) into a single integrated one-piece structure. The easel is formed from one continuous piece of material with integrated folding mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate hinges and connectors while maintaining collapsibility for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece structure contains integrated segmentation features including slots and protrusions that allow the easel to fold into compact configurations. These built-in segmentation elements enable portability without requiring separate detachable parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable multiple slot positions are incorporated in the rear support panel, then different view angles can be provided, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-piece structure incorporates locally varied features including multiple slots at different positions and orientations, protrusions at specific locations, and differentiated panel sections. These localized variations provide adjustability for different viewing angles while maintaining the simplicity of a single integrated structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the easel is made from one piece of material, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to collapse completely flat is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The one-piece structure incorporates dynamic folding mechanisms with slots and protrusions that allow the easel to collapse into a flat compact profile. The integrated design maintains flexibility and movement capability while being constructed from a single rigid piece of material, achieving both cost-effectiveness and portability.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible, two part easel for holding objects such as smartphones, cell phones, iPads, business cards, recipes, and calendars. The profile of the easel in the assembled position creates an angled support surface. The base of a viewable object rests on the top inside portion of the shelf created by the protruding support surface, and the back of the display object rests against the back angled inside portion of the perpendicular surfaces. The angle of the backrest creates a fixed viewing angle of the display object. The easel is easily assembled from its ship-flat position by rotating the perpendicular locking object support panel 90 degrees on its integral locking pivot cylinder already inserted into the variable sized backrest. The easels can be modularly locked together, or incorporate multiple easel supports on the back panel to support larger objects and increase the amount of graphics. The assembled unit, when the two parts are locked together becomes a structural support member. A secondary set of structural elements snap into the rear of the assembled easel to further enhance its strength.