Rotating Latch Mechanism for Tablet Support Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supports for flat, rigid objects, such as laptops and tablets, often lack ergonomic and efficient solutions for secure attachment, leading to instability and difficulty in accommodating objects of varying sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
The use of shaped, rotating latches and a spring mechanism that presses the object against the latches, providing a stable and adjustable support system that can accommodate various flat, rigid devices by creating a space between the latches and the base, allowing for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional supports are used for flat rigid objects, then the structure is simple, but the stability and security of attachment is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to rotate between a first position (secured) and a second position (released), transforming a static support structure into a dynamic one that actively engages and disengages the device. This rotational movement allows the same structure to provide both stability when engaged and ease of removal when disengaged, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically presses the latch against the device corner, and the latch rotates into position when the device is inserted, securing itself without additional fastening steps. This self-securing mechanism provides reliable attachment while maintaining structural simplicity, as the system performs the securing action autonomously rather than requiring complex manual fastening systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed supports are used, then the structure is stable, but the adaptability to different sizes and shapes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to engage with the corner region of devices, concentrating the securing function at a specific local point rather than requiring uniform support across the entire device surface. This localized corner engagement allows the same latch structure to adapt to different device sizes and shapes while maintaining stable attachment through the consistent corner geometry present in all flat rigid devices.
3Ease of operation
If secure attachment mechanisms are used, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation for installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch features a curved engagement surface that matches the corner geometry of devices, allowing smooth rotational engagement and disengagement. The curved surfaces enable the latch to pivot easily into and out of the secured position while maintaining reliable contact with the device corner, thus providing both ease of operation and secure attachment without requiring complex fastening or unfastening procedures.
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
The solution offers a fast, comfortable, and secure method to support objects, ensuring stability and ease of use, with the ability to adjust to different sizes and shapes, enhancing user experience and device performance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for pressing the device against the bottom of said latches
Implementation Method 2
pressing the device against the bottom of said latches, to secure the device to the support
Data Source
AI summary
A drop in receptacle for generally flat and rigid objects that is particularly useful for supporting electronic devices such as tablets and smartphones. The support includes corner catches for at least two corners of the device. The corner catches include rotating latches and cornerpieces. The rotating latches are shaped and configured so that they rotate when the corner of an object is pressed against the top surface of the latch. The cornerpieces are shaped to accept and support the corner of the device. After the devices passes the top surface of the latch, the latch returns to its original state and a spring presses the device against the bottom of the latch, securing the device in place.