Rotatable Kickstand Hinge for Stable Multi-Orientation Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices are designed for handheld use and lack efficient solutions for transitioning to other orientations, such as typing or portrait viewing, while maintaining protection and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable kickstand attached to the device via hinges with preset stops, allowing for various orientations and providing stability and vibration dampening, while also serving as a cover or input device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a kickstand is added to enable multiple orientations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The kickstand is merged with the device housing as an integrated component rather than a separate accessory. The hinge mechanism is built into the housing structure, combining the support function with the device's structural elements to avoid adding independent complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The kickstand mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides typing orientation support, portrait viewing support, and can be positioned at various intermediate angles. A single mechanism enables multiple device orientations and usage scenarios, maximizing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If a kickstand mechanism is integrated into the device, then protection is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is positioned at a specific location where it can provide effective support while minimizing alignment requirements. The hinge is placed at the rear edge of the device where it can leverage the device's natural geometry to achieve proper positioning without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances across the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism incorporates a spherical or rounded pivot point that allows for self-alignment through rotation. This curved geometry enables the kickstand to find its correct position through mechanical guidance rather than requiring pre-aligned holes or mounting surfaces, reducing manufacturing precision demands.
3Shape
If the kickstand is designed to conform to device contour, then mobile aesthetic is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The kickstand incorporates curved surfaces and rounded edges that match the device's aesthetic contours. These curved features are achieved through standard forming processes for the housing material, allowing the aesthetic integration to be accomplished during the primary manufacturing process rather than requiring additional complex finishing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The kickstand is manufactured as an integrated part of the device housing using the same material and primary forming process. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for the kickstand, achieving aesthetic integration without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 flexible device positioning for typing or viewing, enhances protection, and maintains a mobile aesthetic by allowing the kickstand to conform to the device's contour.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge exerts pressure on an edge of the kickstand, providing stability and vibration dampening to the kickstand
Implementation Method 2
an elastic unit, the elastic unit being connected to the support unit and the rear portion so as to apply an elastic force to the support unit in the direction of rotation of the support unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device kickstand is described. In at least some implementations, a kickstand is rotatably attached to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. In at least some implementations, hinges are employed to attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. One example hinge utilizes preset hinge stops that enable the kickstand to be placed at different preset positions. Another example hinge exerts pressure on an edge of the kickstand, providing stability and vibration dampening to the kickstand.