Portable Device Stand With Flexible Flaps for Ergonomic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computers, such as laptops and tablets, often suffer from ergonomic drawbacks due to their compact design, leading to neck complaints and difficulties in supporting the device at an optimal viewing angle, with existing stands being either too obtrusive or not adaptable for portable use.
Innovation Solution
A stand with flexible attachment flaps that conform to the shape of the device, allowing for adjustable support angles and a smooth transition when folded, reducing the risk of damage and visibility, and enabling reliable attachment and easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stand is attached to a portable device to improve display positioning and ergonomics, then the ergonomic viewing angle is improved, but the stand becomes obtrusive and may damage other items during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible attachment flaps made of thin, flexible material that conform to the device surface. These flaps are thin enough to be unobtrusive and flexible enough to adapt to the device contours, preventing damage to other items while maintaining the support function for ergonomic viewing angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow it to adapt between a deployed state (providing ergonomic support) and a collapsed state (unobtrusive for transport). The flexible flaps can be positioned or removed as needed, transforming the stand from a potentially harmful obtrusive element to a beneficial ergonomic aid.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a stand is made rigid to provide stable support, then the support stability is improved, but the stand becomes difficult to attach and may not conform to the device shape
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment flaps are constructed from flexible thin films that can conform to various device shapes and surfaces. This flexibility enables easy attachment to different portable devices while the underlying support structure maintains stability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand is divided into separate components: flexible attachment flaps for adapting to the device shape, and rigid support panels for providing stable elevation. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function - the flaps provide adaptability and attachment, while the panels provide structural stability.
3Ease of operation
If a stand is designed to be foldable for portability, then the ease of transport is improved, but the attachment reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stand employs dynamic attachment mechanisms where the flexible flaps can be securely positioned and fixed during transport. The design allows the flaps to maintain reliable attachment in both the folded transport state and the deployed support state, ensuring the stand remains securely attached to the device throughout use and transport cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A stand for supporting a portable device (2) has a first panel (7; 207, 307) for supporting the device, a second panel (8; 108; 208; 308) hinged so as to be pivotable relative to the first panel (7; 207; 307) about a first hinge axis (9; 209; 309) and an angle setting leg (10; 110; 210; 310) hinged so as to be pivotable relative to the first panel (7; 207; 307) or the second panel (8; 108; 208; 308) about a second hinge axis (11) and having a free end releasably connectable to the other one of the first panel (7; 207; 307) and the second panel (8; 108; 208; 308) at a distance from the first hinge axis (9; 209; 309) for setting an angle between the first panel (7; 207; 307) and the second panel (8; 08; 208; 308). A flexible attachment flap (12; 212; 312) projects from and extends along at least a portion of at least one edge (14, 15; 214; 314, 315) of the first panel (7; 207; 307). The flap (12; 212; 312) has an attachment surface (13) for attachment to a bottom surface of or attached to the device.