Portable Stand with Torque Joint for Upward-Viewing Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of suitable stands that allow portable electronic devices to be used in a hands-free manner, particularly in reclined or supine positions, leading to discomfort and potential neck strain due to the need for hunched viewing postures, which is not ideal for extended use, especially in domestic, medical, and healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable and tiltable stand with a tray connected to a base via torque joints, allowing the device to be tilted and rotated, enabling optimal viewing from below, with a wide range of motion (±30° to ±75°) and the ability to hold multiple devices, ensuring comfortable and ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional stands are used to hold portable electronic devices, then the device can be held in a fixed position, but the user must maintain a hunched viewing posture from above which causes neck strain and discomfort during extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The stand incorporates a torque joint mechanism that allows the tray to be dynamically tilted to different angles. This enables the device to be positioned at various orientations including upward-tilted positions that allow users to view the screen from below in a relaxed posture, eliminating the need for hunched viewing and reducing neck strain during extended use.
2Ease of operation
If the stand allows extensive tilting and rotation for optimal viewing from below, then viewing comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple torque joints and movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into distinct functional components: a base, a torque joint mechanism, and a tray. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity. The torque joint acts as a single degree-of-freedom mechanism that provides the necessary tilting capability without requiring complex multi-axis rotation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand utilizes a torque joint that allows controlled change in the tilting angle parameter. By adjusting the tilt angle within a specific range (enabling upward viewing positions), the stand achieves optimal viewing comfort from below without requiring full 360-degree rotation or multiple joints, thus maintaining structural simplicity while providing the necessary functional range.
3Ease of operation
If the stand is designed to be portable and easy to move, then ease of operation is improved, but the stability may be compromised when holding the device at tilted positions
Solution Approach 1:
The base of the stand is designed with sufficient weight to act as a counterweight that stabilizes the tilted tray and device. This weighted base prevents the stand from toppling when the tray is tilted to upward positions, maintaining stability while allowing the entire stand to remain portable and easy to relocate when needed.
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 stand allows for comfortable, extended use of portable electronic devices in various positions without strain, providing ergonomic benefits and versatility in multiple settings, including domestic and healthcare environments, while being easy to use and adjust.
Implementation Method 1
The tray (4) is connected to the base (3) through one or more torque joints (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable and tiltable stand (1) for multiple portable electronic devices with a screen (2) that allows the screens to be looked at also upwards from lower position. The stand (1) is comprising of a base (3), a tray (4) with fixation means (5) suitable to attach the electronic device or devises (2) to the tray (4) reversibly,andone or more torque joints (6), wherein at least one torque joint (6) is in the form of a torque hinge (6a), ball joint, condyloid joint and/or saddle joint,through which the tray (4) is connected to the base (3). The one or more torque joints (6) allow the tray (4) to be tilted by at least an angle of ± 30°,preferably at least ± 45°, starting from the 90° upwards position relative to the base (3), and have a torque to allow the tray (4) with an attached electronic device (2) to remain in any position, and to tilt the tray (4) with the attached electronic device or devices (2) by hand without having to loosen and tighten an adjustable screw or the like.