Pivotable Support for Portable Text Reading Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reading devices for the visually impaired are bulky, difficult to transport, and occupy significant space when not in use, as they are designed as stationary devices.
Innovation Solution
A reading device with a support element that can be pivoted relative to the support, allowing for an inclined operating position and a collapsed transport or rest position, enabling easy storage and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the reading device is designed as a stationary unit with a fixed support structure, then the support surface remains stable during operation, but the device occupies significant space and is difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed to be pivotable relative to the support about a pivot axis, allowing it to dynamically change between an operating position (inclined at a definable angle to vertical) and a transport position (flush with the support surface). This dynamic configuration enables the device to maintain stability during use while minimizing space during transport.
2Ease of operation
If the reading device is designed as a stationary unit, then the support surface provides adequate support for reading material, but the device requires considerable transport and packaging effort
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable support element transitions from a static stationary design to a dynamic configurable structure. In the operating position, it provides adequate support for reading material at an inclined angle. For transport, the support element pivots to lie flush with the support surface, creating a compact configuration that eliminates the need for separate packaging and reduces transport effort.
3Volume of moving object
If the support surface is positioned horizontally, then the device occupies minimal space, but reading material cannot be properly supported for image capture
Solution Approach 1:
The support element pivots about a pivot axis to achieve different orientations. When horizontal, it minimizes space occupation. When pivoted to the inclined operating position (definable angle to vertical), it properly supports reading material for full-surface contact and high-quality image capture by the image capture device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A reading device, in particular for visually impaired people, comprising a flat and transparent rest (1) for reading material and an image capturing device (2) for sensing a text and/or an image of at least one part of the reading material through the rest (1) is designed and developed to be particularly easy to transport and easy to store when the reading device is not in use in such a manner that the rest (1) is associated with a supporting element (4) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (3) relative to the rest (1), wherein the supporting element (4) can be pivoted to position the rest (1) in an operating position which is inclined at a definable angle with respect to a vertical direction and into a transport or idle position with the rest (1) and the supporting element (4) lying substantially next to each other.