Portable-device support system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable device supports, such as those for camping stoves or pots, often require complex mechanisms for transitioning between storage and deployed positions, occupying significant space and lacking stability during use.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates support elements with movable legs that translate within slots on mounts, allowing for compact storage and stable deployment, utilizing pins or followers for stabilization and potentially incorporating springs for ease of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If legs rotate around a vertical or horizontal axis from storage to support position, then the support can be deployed, but the mechanism becomes complex and occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements transition from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system where legs can translate along curved slots. The slots guide the legs through a specific trajectory, enabling automatic positioning and stabilization without complex rotational joints or locking mechanisms. This dynamic translation path simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining deployment functionality.
2Ease of operation
If legs rotate around an axis for deployment, then support function is achieved, but the storage space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The legs are designed to nest within or alongside the support body when in the stored position. The curved slot mechanism allows the legs to be pulled into a compact configuration where they occupy minimal space relative to the main body, similar to nested dolls. This nesting capability significantly reduces the volume required for storage while maintaining full deployment functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If simple removable legs are used, then storage space is reduced, but stability during use is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The curved slot acts as an intermediary mechanism between the leg and the support body. As the leg translates along the curved path, the slot geometry provides continuous guidance and constraint, ensuring the leg reaches and maintains the correct deployed position. This intermediary guidance system ensures stable support while keeping the leg attachment simple and compact.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable-device support apparatus includes a surface element. First support elements are coupled to the surface element. Each first support element has an end proximal to the surface element and an end distal from the surface element. Second support elements are coupled to a respective first support element by a respective fastening device. Each fastening device can translate back and forth along a respective one of the first support elements between the proximal and distal ends. The apparatus has a deployed position in which each second support element extends at an angle from a first support element. The apparatus has a storage position.