Rotatable Leg Stabilizes Thin Laptop With External Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thinning of laptop PCs poses a challenge in maintaining stability when external connectors are connected, as the reduced thickness can lead to instability due to the position of the connector's bottom surface being lower than the main body's surface, causing interference with the surface it's placed on.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first connector on one side surface with its lower surface exposed from the bottom, and a protruding leg portion that forms a predetermined tilt, allowing the laptop to maintain stability by creating a gap and preventing interference with the surface, while also accommodating thicker external connectors through rotatable second leg portions and dented structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the main body portion is thinned to reduce overall thickness, then the electronic apparatus becomes more compact and portable, but the connector's lower surface extends below the bottom surface causing instability and interference with the placement surface
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between the main body portion and the leg member. The leg member is a separate, rotatable component that provides additional support when needed, allowing the main body to remain thin while ensuring stable placement when connectors are used.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg member is designed to be rotatable relative to the main body portion, transitioning between a retracted state (when not needed) and an extended state (when connectors are connected). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its support characteristics based on operational conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a leg member is added to improve placement stability, then the electronic apparatus achieves stable placement, but the structure becomes more complex and the thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg member is integrated with the display portion rather than being a separate component attached to the main body. This merging reduces the overall number of parts and simplifies the structure while still providing the necessary support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg member serves multiple functions: it provides placement stability when connectors are used, supports the display portion at various angles, and can be adjusted dynamically based on operational needs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the leg member is fixed to provide support, then placement stability is achieved, but the electronic apparatus cannot be carried portably
Solution Approach 1:
The leg member is designed to be rotatable and movable, allowing it to be retracted into a compact position for portability and extended to a supportive position for stable placement. This dynamic capability enables the system to switch between portable and stable states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg member can be automatically positioned or easily adjusted by the user based on operational conditions, providing support when needed without requiring complex mechanical structures or additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes: a display portion including a display screen; a main body portion including upper and bottom surfaces; and a coupling portion to couple the display portion with the main body portion such that the display portion becomes rotatable between a first state where the display screen faces the upper surface and a second state where the display screen forms a predetermined angle with respect to the upper surface, the main body portion including a pair of side surfaces, and a first connector connectable with a first external connector and includes a lower surface exposed from the bottom surface, the display portion including a first leg portion that protrudes to be positioned lower than the bottom surface in the second state and comes into contact with a surface on which the main body portion is placed to form a predetermined tilt with respect to the surface.