Rotating Stand Structure With Click Stop for Stable Device Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for holding the orientation of plate-shaped information processing apparatuses, such as tablets or smartphones, lack convenience and stability, often requiring external stands that are cumbersome and prone to unintended rotation.

Innovation Solution

A holding structure with a rotatable body portion and a stopping portion that contacts at an intermediate position to prevent unintended rotation, featuring an axis portion, support extensions, angled surfaces, and a stopper with a higher friction coefficient to secure the device on a surface, allowing easy rotation and stable orientation without external supports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a stand is used to hold the orientation of a plate-shaped information processing apparatus, then the apparatus can be supported at various angles, but the stand may unintentionally rotate and fail to stably hold the orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of useVSAvoidstability of orientation holding

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stopping portion is designed to preemptively counteract unintended rotation of the body portion. When the body portion rotates to a predetermined angle, the stopping portion engages to prevent further rotation, thereby reliably holding the apparatus orientation before unintended rotation can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The stopping portion is pre-positioned at a specific location relative to the body portion's rotation path. As the body portion rotates, the stopping portion automatically engages at the predetermined angle without requiring additional control mechanisms, ensuring stable orientation holding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the body portion is made rotatable to allow orientation adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but unintended rotation occurs reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of orientation adjustmentVSAvoidprevention of unintended rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stopping portion acts as a mechanical constraint that preemptively prevents unintended rotation while allowing intentional rotation. The body portion can be freely rotated by the user, but once it reaches the predetermined angle, the stopping portion engages to counteract any further unintended rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a completely static support structure to a dynamic one where the body portion can rotate freely during adjustment, then becomes constrained at the predetermined angle. This dynamic behavior allows ease of operation during adjustment while ensuring reliability when positioned

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a stopping portion is added to prevent unintended rotation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of orientation holdingVSAvoidstructural complexity of holding mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stopping portion is integrated with the body portion as a unified structure rather than being a separate independent component. The stopping portion and body portion form a combined mechanical structure that achieves orientation holding functionality without requiring additional complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stopping portion automatically engages and disengages based on the rotation angle of the body portion without requiring external control systems. The mechanical design itself provides the stopping function through geometric constraints, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control circuits

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

The solution provides enhanced convenience and stability by preventing unintended rotation and ensuring the apparatus is securely held in a desired orientation, reducing the risk of slipping and damage, while allowing easy adjustment and maintenance of the holding mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a part of the body portion contacts with the stopping portion, and the rotation of the body portion is stopped by the stopping portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

an angled portion may be provided at an end portion of the projection portion... the body portion can be easily rotated beyond the stopping portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10139865B2Apparatus holding structure

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 NINTENDO CO LTD

AI summary

A holding structure according to an exemplary embodiment includes a rotation axis, a stand body, and a clicker. The stand body is rotatable about the rotation axis. When the stand body is rotated about the rotation axis, an upper end portion of the stand body contacts with the clicker. When the stand body is further rotated from a position at which the stand body and the clicker contacts with each other, the stand body rotates beyond the clicker. Thus, the stand body enters an opened state and holds an orientation of an apparatus. When the upper end portion of the stand body rotates beyond the clicker, the clicker is restored from a deformed state to an initial state, and a clicking sound occurs.