Multi-Footprint Tablet Stand Angled Support Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tablet computer stands lack versatility in supporting devices at various angles and stability on different surfaces, often requiring additional mechanisms or multiple pieces for adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece tablet stand with multiple footprints arranged at specific angles, allowing for adjustable viewing positions without additional mechanisms, featuring a receiving surface with a curved design and attachment options like magnetic or suction devices for secure tablet placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If one-piece stand construction is used, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to support multiple viewing angles is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestand constructionVSAvoidviewing angle adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stand is divided into multiple footprints (first, second, and optionally third footprints) that are integrated into a one-piece construction. Each footprint is positioned at a different angle relative to the receiving surface, allowing the tablet to be supported at multiple viewing angles without requiring movable parts or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The one-piece stand structure performs multiple functions by incorporating several footprints with different orientations. A single stand body provides support for both vertical and horizontal tablet positions, as well as multiple intermediate viewing angles, eliminating the need for separate stands or adjustment mechanisms for each angle.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple footprints are integrated into one piece, then manufacturing is simplified, but stability on various surfaces including soft surfaces is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestand constructionVSAvoidstand stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different footprints are designed with specific geometric characteristics suited to their intended function. The first footprint has a larger surface area optimized for stable support on hard surfaces, while the second and third footprints are positioned and sized to provide stability on soft surfaces by distributing weight differently and achieving better contact with the support surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The footprints are designed with asymmetric geometries and different orientations rather than uniform symmetric shapes. This asymmetry allows each footprint to interact differently with various support surfaces, with the angled footprints specifically designed to penetrate or rest effectively on soft surfaces like beds or couches, while the first footprint provides stable support on harder surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If footprints are positioned at specific angles, then multiple viewing positions are enabled, but the stand requires precise manufacturing tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle optionsVSAvoidfootprint angle positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The footprints are pre-positioned at the desired angles during the one-piece manufacturing process, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing adjustment or assembly of multiple components. The receiving surface is designed with specific geometric features that guide the tablet into the correct position, compensating for minor manufacturing variations in the footprint angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 stand provides stable support for tablets at multiple angles and on various surfaces, including soft surfaces, without the need for multiple pieces, ensuring the tablet remains balanced and easy to use in both vertical and horizontal positions.

Implementation Method 1

The attachment element may comprise a magnetic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The attachment element may comprise a magnetic device or a suction device, said suction device comprising a suction foam or a suction cup tape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2962033B1Multiple footprint stand for a tablet computer
Publication Date: 2018.02.07 FRENZEL
  • EP2962033B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2962033B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2962033B1 patent drawingFigure 02c~02e

AI summary

A tablet computer stand (10, 11, 12) for supporting a computer shaped as a tablet (22) on a support surface, comprising at least first and second footprints (13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19) joined with each other in such a manner that they are positionable or positioned at an angle to one another, at a front end of the first footprint a receiving surface (27) receiving an end of the tablet (22) to support the tablet on the stand (10, 11, 12); and the footprints (13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19) being dimensioned and positionable or positioned relative to the tablet end receiving surface (27) such that the stand with the tablet thereon is stable when either the first or the second footprint is resting on said support surface.