Reversible H-Shaped Base for Cantilevered Display Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display unit stands are not versatile enough to accommodate both flat and uneven surfaces, limiting their use in various settings such as beds and while walking.

Innovation Solution

A reversible universal stand with a friction hinge and 'H' or 'I' shaped base, featuring angled feet for stability, allows the display unit to be hoisted above a base and positioned in a cantilevered view, suitable for both flat and uneven surfaces, with a rotatable cantilever arm and extensible tongue member for adjustable support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional flat-surface stand is used, then it provides stable support on tables or desks, but it cannot be used on uneven surfaces such as laps or torsos

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface compatibilityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base is designed with an H-shape configuration that can function on multiple surface types (flat surfaces like desks and uneven surfaces like laps or torsos). The base includes a top surface for flat surfaces and angled feet for uneven surfaces, allowing the single base structure to adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring separate stands for each surface type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The stand incorporates a friction hinge that allows the cantilever arm to be dynamically adjusted to different angles and positions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the stand to maintain stability and proper viewing angles whether used on a flat desk surface or an uneven lap surface, adapting to the gravitational forces and surface geometries encountered in each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the base is designed for flat surfaces only, then it provides a simple structure, but it limits the viewing positions and settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing position flexibilityVSAvoidbase structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The H-shaped base integrates multiple functional elements into a single structure: a top surface for flat surface contact, angled feet for uneven surface contact, and attachment points for the friction hinge. This multi-functional design enables the base to support the display unit in various viewing positions (lap, torso, desk) without requiring multiple separate components or complex assembly mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a reversible base design is implemented, then the stand can accommodate both flat and uneven surfaces, but it requires a more complex hinge mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface adaptabilityVSAvoidhinge mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The friction hinge utilizes friction between mating surfaces to naturally hold the cantilever arm at any desired angle without requiring additional locking mechanisms, springs, or complex actuation systems. The friction force itself provides the self-service function of maintaining position, eliminating the need for extra complexity in the hinge mechanism while still enabling reversible and adjustable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 stable and adjustable display unit positioning on diverse surfaces, from reclined positions to flat desks, enhancing usability and stability across different environments.

Implementation Method 1

The present invention uses a friction hinge to hoist the display unit above a base and suspends it in the air to a unique cantilevered viewing position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9856895B2Reversible universal support for a display unit
Publication Date: 2018.01.02 KIELEY SEAN
  • US9856895B2 patent drawing
  • US9856895B2 patent drawing
  • US9856895B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention comprises generally a friction hinge to hoist a display unit above a base and suspend it in the air to a unique cantilevered viewing position. The universal support has the shape of the base in an “H” or “I” configuration with angled feet to maximize stability when resting on the chest. The “H” shape is designed to fit well around the user's breasts. The base is reversible around the cantilever arm such that the top surface of the base may either face up or down such that the base may rest against an uneven surface with the top surface of the base facing up and may rest against a flat surface with the top surface of the base facing down.