Monitor Stand Shelf for Hidden Workspace Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computer monitors often have an unattractive and functionally less important back end that is not designed for routine viewing, lacking space for additional components or storage, which can clutter the workspace.

Innovation Solution

A computer monitor is supported by a stand with a shelf positioned behind it, providing discrete storage for items like separate hard drives, manuals, or media players, while maintaining an unobstructed view of the screen and enhancing workspace aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a shelf is added behind the monitor to provide storage space, then workspace organization and clutter reduction are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkspace organizationVSAvoidmonitor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf is integrated with the monitor stand structure, combining the support function and storage function into a single unified component. The shelf becomes an extension of the stand, eliminating the need for separate storage furniture and reducing overall workspace clutter while adding minimal structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf utilizes the vertical and depth dimensions behind the monitor screen, transforming unused three-dimensional space into functional storage volume. This adds storage capacity without increasing the monitor's footprint on the workspace surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If a shelf is positioned behind the monitor, then storage capacity is improved, but the aesthetic appearance of the monitor back end deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidmonitor appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf is strategically positioned in the less visually important rear region behind the monitor screen, where it provides storage functionality without interfering with the primary aesthetic appearance of the monitor front and sides. The design accepts localized aesthetic compromise in exchange for functional benefit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf acts as an intermediary element that bridges the monitor stand and the workspace surface, creating a visually acceptable transition zone that provides storage while maintaining overall aesthetic harmony through proper proportion and positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the shelf is connected to the stand or monitor back surface, then structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf stabilityVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf and stand are designed as separable components that can be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, then assembled through simple connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying manufacturing and assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism between the shelf and stand is designed to be universal, using standard fastening methods that can accommodate variations in shelf and stand configurations. This universal approach simplifies manufacturing by using common components and assembly procedures across different product variants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20100315768A1Computer monitor with a shelf
Publication Date: 2010.12.16 TWELVE SOUTH LLC
  • US20100315768A1 patent drawing
  • US20100315768A1 patent drawing
  • US20100315768A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer monitor is supported by a stand connected to the back of the monitor. A shelf is positioned behind the computer monitor, where the shelf is connected to either the stand or the computer monitor back surface. The shelf has a flat portion which is essentially horizontal for holding various items.