Portable Computer Stand With Sliding Top and Nested Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable laptop and projector stands lack improved adjustability and functionality for supporting laptop computers, projectors, and associated components, despite being compact and lightweight.
Innovation Solution
A portable, compact computer and projector stand with a planar table top that slidably engages a planar table bottom, featuring linearly elongated channels for adjustable height, spring-loaded detents, a medium density foam insert for leg and accessory storage, and article holders for cell phones and beverages, including a separable housing and attachment pins for secure storage and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the stand structure is simplified to reduce weight and size, then portability is improved, but adjustability and functionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The foam insert is nested within the accessory insert receiving cavity in the table bottom, providing organized storage for telescoping legs and accessories without adding external bulk. The cup holder and cell phone holder are nested components that attach to the table top, allowing functionality to be added without increasing the core stand structure weight or size.
Solution Approach 2:
The table top is made dynamically adjustable along linearly elongated channels with spring-loaded detents, allowing selective linear adjustment to different positions. The telescoping legs provide dynamic height adjustment, enabling the stand to adapt to different device sizes and user preferences while maintaining a compact folded profile for portability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory storage is added to the stand, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder and cell phone holder are merged into a single accessory ecosystem that attaches to the table top. The foam insert combines multiple storage functions (leg storage, accessory organization) into one integrated component within the table bottom cavity, reducing the number of separate parts needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory system is segmented into modular components: the foam insert for storage, the cup holder for beverage containers, and the cell phone holder for electronic devices. This segmentation allows users to attach only the accessories they need, reducing overall complexity while maintaining functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table top is made adjustable along channels, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded detents provide self-aligning and self-locking functionality as the table top is moved along the channels. The springs automatically engage with the detent positions, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment during assembly and reducing manufacturing tolerance requirements for the channel-detent interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded detent mechanism allows for parameter changes in position along the channels while maintaining secure engagement. The spring force compensates for variations in manufacturing precision, ensuring reliable locking at multiple discrete positions without requiring extremely tight tolerances.
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
Enhances adjustability and functionality by allowing selective linear adjustment of the table top, secure storage of accessories, and increased flexibility in accommodating various devices and containers, thereby improving the usability of portable workstation platforms.
Implementation Method 1
The channels have a plurality of spring-loaded detents aligned at spaced locations along a linear length therein for allowing selective linear adjustment of the table top
Data Source
AI summary
A portable, compact computer and projector stand is provided that is adapted to be utilized in conjunction with a cellular phone storage adapter and a cup holding adapter. The cell phone storage adapter is formed of a separable housing forming a containment cavity therein. An attachment pin is mounted cantilevered from the outer periphery of the housing to provide for attachment through impingement with a first receiving hole in the table top. A closed cell foam insert fitted within the containment cavity is adapted to graspingly receive, and consequently securely hold, a cellular telephone, portable digital assistant (PDA) or similar handheld electronic device. The cup holding adapter for use in conjunction with the stand incorporates a coaster support platform having an attachment pin mounted cantilevered from the outer periphery of the platform to provide for attachment through impingement with a second receiving hole in the table top. An upper containment ring can further be adapted to attachably affix to and above the coaster support platform, thereby forming a secure beverage container holder.