Rotating Handle Assembly for Tablet Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tablet computers face challenges in handling and data entry due to their size and sleek exterior, making it difficult to securely hold and position them for comfortable use, especially when trying to enter data with one hand or view images/video at a desirable angle.

Innovation Solution

A handle assembly is mounted to the rear surface of the tablet computer, allowing for secure grip, easy rotation, and adjustable orientation, enabling users to hold the device at various angles and positions for improved control and viewing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a tablet computer has a sleek exterior surface, then it has improved aesthetics and ease of cleaning, but it becomes difficult to securely hold and control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetics and cleaningVSAvoidsecure holding
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A handle assembly with a textured grip surface acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the sleek tablet body. The handle's non-slip textured surface provides secure grip while the sleek tablet surface maintains its aesthetic and cleaning advantages, resolving the contradiction between smooth exterior and secure holding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of moving object

If a tablet computer has a larger touch screen, then it provides better data entry capability, but it becomes difficult to cradle in both hands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch screen sizeVSAvoidtwo-handed operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly segments the tablet system into a stable base (tablet) and a controllable handle portion. This allows the large tablet to be operated with one hand on the handle while the other hand uses the screen, or positioned on a surface for hands-free viewing, making large screens manageable without requiring two-handed cradling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly adds a vertical dimension to the tablet's form factor. By extending the effective height through the handle, the tablet can be held at ergonomic angles that accommodate large screens while maintaining one-handed operability, transforming the horizontal size challenge into a vertical ergonomics solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a tablet computer is placed flat on a table top, then it is stable, but it does not provide a desirable viewing angle or orientation flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidviewing angle and orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly transforms the static tablet into a dynamic positioning system. The handle can be rotated and angled to various positions, allowing the tablet to be held at different orientations (portrait/landscape) and viewing angles while maintaining stability through the handle's counterbalancing effect, thus providing both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly serves multiple functions: it provides secure grip, enables various viewing angles, supports both portrait and landscape orientations, and can be positioned at different heights. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making a single device configuration adaptable to multiple viewing and usage scenarios.

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

Data Source

PatentUS8941989B2Tablet computer holder and stand
Publication Date: 2015.01.27 TECDRIVEN
  • US8941989B2 patent drawing
  • US8941989B2 patent drawing
  • US8941989B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A handle assembly for a hand held tablet computer or other handheld electronic device, the assembly including a tablet mounted assembly adhered to the back side of the tablet computer opposite the tablet's screen and a handle removably mounted to the tablet mounted assembly. The handle is rotatable permitting a user to hold the tablet computer within one hand and rotate the tablet computer to access the screen from any desired angle. The handle may include at least one tab and the tablet mounted portion includes at least one opening sized to receive the tab. The mounting plate may include a release tab to releasably engage a recess in the base plate of the handle to secure the tab of the handle within the opening of the mounting plate.