Portable Device Stand Coupler for Secure Positioning and Interior Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stand systems for portable electronic devices lack a secure and versatile mechanism for stable positioning, often relying on ad-hoc solutions that do not provide reliable access to the device's interior for enhanced functionality.

Innovation Solution

A stand system comprising a column with a cap member featuring a mechanical coupler and an upper coupler assembly with a double-sided adhesive surface, utilizing a pin and magnet mechanism for secure attachment, along with channel and aperture configurations for adjustable alignment and access to the device's interior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical coupler system is used to provide secure attachment, then the reliability of positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidmechanical coupler system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical coupler system is divided into separate components: a cap member with a first mechanical coupler attached to the column, and an upper coupler assembly with a second mechanical coupler that attaches to the portable electronic device. This segmentation allows each coupler to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the overall complexity of the attachment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap member is designed to fit over the top end of the column, nesting the first mechanical coupler within the cap structure. The upper coupler assembly then nests onto the cap member, creating a hierarchical nesting arrangement that secures multiple components in a compact configuration while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If adhesive tape is used for coupling with the portable electronic device, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the strength of attachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive applicationVSAvoidattachment strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines two different attachment mechanisms: a mechanical coupler system for strong, structured attachment, and a double-sided adhesive tape for additional bonding and sealing. The adhesive tape is applied to the outer surface of the cap member, merging the advantages of both mechanical and chemical attachment methods to achieve both ease of manufacture and strong attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the column interior is accessed through slots and apertures, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the structure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior accessVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The column is designed with specific local features: first and second slots on opposite sides of the cap member, and an aperture in the base. These localized openings provide targeted access to the column interior for inserting tools or components, while the majority of the column structure remains intact and stable. The mechanical couplers are positioned to engage with these specific features without compromising overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 system provides a stable, adjustable, and secure positioning for portable electronic devices, allowing easy access to the device's interior for enhanced functionality and usability.

Implementation Method 1

an adherent surface for coupling with the portable electronic device, wherein the adherent surface of the upper coupler assembly is one side of a double-sided adhesive tape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the mechanical coupler of the upper coupler assembly includes at least one magnet, wherein the mechanical coupler of the cap member includes at least one metal plate, and wherein the at least one magnet of the mechanical coupler of the upper coupler assembly is removably coupled to the at least one metal plate of the mechanical coupler of the cap member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11946589B1Stand system for portable electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.04.02 PIONEER SQUARE BRANDS INC
  • US11946589B1 patent drawing
  • US11946589B1 patent drawing
  • US11946589B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A stand system for a portable electronic device includes a column having a top end, a cap member coupled with the top end of the column, wherein the cap member includes a mechanical coupler. The stand system includes an upper coupler assembly including an adherent surface for coupling with the portable electronic device, and a mechanical coupler removably coupled to the mechanical coupler of the cap member. Other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.