Portable Utility Shelf With Pivoting Shells for Hands-Free Laptop Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility shelves are either permanently attached to objects or require bulky frameworks for portability, making it difficult for users to efficiently enter data into laptops while performing other tasks, as they need to hold the laptop with one hand and use the other for inputting data.
Innovation Solution
A portable utility shelf with pivotably connected shells, secured by a snap hinge and slide latch, featuring channels for adjustable fasteners that allow easy attachment to various surfaces, enabling hands-free operation and efficient data entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If utility shelves are permanently attached to objects, then stability and support are improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The utility shelf is divided into two separate shells (first shell and second shell) that can be connected or disconnected from each other. The first shell attaches to the object while the second shell forms the workspace, allowing the shelf to be stable when attached but portable when disconnected.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the first and second shells is made dynamic through a snap hinge and slide latch mechanism, allowing the shelf to transition between attached (stable) and detached (portable) states. This dynamic connection resolves the contradiction between stability and portability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If utility shelves require bulky frameworks for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The utility shelf uses thin-walled injection-molded plastic shells instead of bulky metal frameworks. The first and second shells are made from lightweight plastic material that provides sufficient structural support while minimizing weight and complexity, enabling easy portability without complex frameworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameters are changed from traditional metal frameworks to injection-molded plastic, fundamentally altering the weight, complexity, and manufacturing characteristics of the shelf while maintaining portability and structural integrity.
3Productivity
If users hold laptops in one hand for support, then portability is maintained, but productivity and data entry efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The utility shelf provides self-service by supporting the laptop on its own structure (attached to a surface or held in one hand), freeing the user's hands for data entry tasks. The shelf serves itself as the support structure, eliminating the need for the user to use one hand for laptop support.
4Reliability
If utility shelves use permanent attachment methods, then reliability of attachment is improved, but ease of operation and quick setup worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners are pre-positioned in channels on the first shell, and the attachment surface has pre-defined attachment points. This preliminary arrangement of attachment components allows for quick and reliable connection without complex alignment procedures, resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide latch acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides both reliable attachment (when engaged) and easy operation (when disengaged). It mediates between the need for secure connection and the need for quick setup and teardown.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable utility shelf having a first shell pivotably connected to a second shell. A channel having a slot is located in the front surface of at least one of the shells. A fastener is mounted in the slot in the channel. The fastener allows for mounting one shell on an attachment surface and pivoting the utility shelf to an open position to create a work surface on the other shell.