Rack and Pinion Support Assembly for Tablet Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support assemblies for pad-type computer devices have limited tilting angles, making it difficult to switch between tablet mode and normal mode effectively, as they restrict the desired angle range for rotation.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a base member, shaft, pinion gear, and elastic members that allow the device body to be rotated between parallel and perpendicular positions to the installation plane, using a rack and pinion mechanism with a curved second support part to maintain the desired angle, and elastic biasing to overcome the device's weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hinge shaft structure is used to support the device body, then the structure is simple, but the tilting angle is limited and the device body interferes with the stand during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple independent components: a base member, a shaft with pinion gears, and a second support member with a curved surface and rack gear. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, enabling the device body to rotate through a larger angle range without interference, while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The second support member incorporates a curved surface with a predetermined radius of curvature that matches the pinion gear. This curvature allows the rack gear to engage smoothly with the pinion gear during rotation, enabling the device body to tilt from parallel to perpendicular positions relative to the installation plane without mechanical interference
2Ease of operation
If the device body is rotated to parallel position for tablet mode, then touch screen usability is improved, but the device weight creates resistance to rotation
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic member (coil spring or leaf spring) is introduced as a counterbalancing mechanism. The elastic member is placed on the shaft and elastically biases the shaft in a direction that overcomes the weight of the device body, providing smooth rotation assistance. This allows the device body to be easily rotated to the parallel position for tablet mode without requiring excessive user force
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
Enables smooth transition between tablet and normal modes by allowing the device body to be easily rotated to desired angles, enhancing user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which is placed on the shaft and elastically biases the shaft in a direction in which the weight of the computer device body supported to the first support part is overcome
Implementation Method 2
a rack gear which is formed on a plane of the second support part facing the shaft along the extension direction of the second support part and moves according to rotation of the computer device body supported to the first support part, the rack gear engaging the at least one pinion gear in order to hold a position of the second support part
Data Source
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AI summary
A support assembly which supports a computer device body having a display unit. The support assembly includes a base member which is supported on an installation plane, a shaft which extends in parallel to a plane of the base member, a first support member having one end portion joined to the base member and the other end portion which supports the support, at least one pinion gear which is concentrically joined to the shaft, a second support member including a first support part which supports the computer device body having the display unit, a second support part which extends from the first support part to have a predetermined curvature, and a rack gear which is formed on a plane of the second support part facing the shaft along the extension direction of the second support part and moves according to rotation of the computer device body supported to the first support part.