Self-Retracting Stand Assembly for Computing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet computing devices lack a versatile and convenient stand solution that allows for multiple orientations and easy retraction, limiting user interaction and portability.
Innovation Solution
A self-retracting stand assembly with a hinge mechanism, including friction hinges and a torsion spring, that enables the stand to pivot away from the device and automatically return to a closed position, providing multiple upright orientations and enhancing user interaction without manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stand is added to a tablet device to enable multiple orientations, then the device's versatility and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stand assembly merges the stand body and hinge mechanism into a single integrated unit that couples to the device housing. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the ability to provide multiple orientations (90-170 degrees), thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism enables the stand to dynamically adjust between multiple angular positions (90-170 degrees) and automatically retract to a closed position. This dynamic capability allows the stand to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining a compact form when not in use, balancing versatility with device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a manual stand mechanism is used, then the device can be positioned in multiple orientations, but the ease of operation decreases due to manual handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring mechanism enables the stand to automatically retract to its closed position without manual intervention. When the stand is positioned at 90-170 degrees, the torsion spring stores energy and automatically returns the stand to its closed state when released, providing hands-free operation while managing the retraction function autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction hinge mechanism replaces complex motorized or actuated retraction systems with a passive mechanical friction-based holding system. This allows the stand to maintain multiple orientations through friction engagement while enabling easy release and automatic retraction through the torsion spring, simplifying the overall mechanism while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the stand is made retractable for easy storage, then the portability is improved, but the reliability of maintaining stable position during use may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The stand assembly transitions between two dynamic states: an extended state (90-170 degrees) where the friction hinge provides stable positioning for use, and a retracted closed state where the torsion spring provides automatic return to closed position for storage. This dynamic behavior allows the stand to maintain reliability during use while enabling easy portability and storage when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the stand body and the device housing, providing a reliable mechanical connection that maintains stable positioning during use. The friction-based engagement ensures the stand holds its position reliably while still allowing controlled retraction when needed, balancing stability with portability.
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 stable and versatile device orientation from 90 to 170 degrees, allowing hands-free interaction and easy device handling, with the stand automatically retracting for convenient transport and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge assembly can also include a torsion spring that is coupled to one or more friction hinges so that the stand can automatically retract to a starting position when the stand is not under bias
Implementation Method 2
The hinge assembly can include one or more friction hinges to enable the stand to be pivoted away from the rear face. The one or more friction hinges requires the a user to apply an amount of force to move the stand away from the rear face
Data Source
AI summary
A stand assembly for a computing device is provided. The stand assembly includes a stand and a coupling mechanism to couple the stand to a rear face of the computing device. The coupling mechanism is structured to enable the stand to be moved under bias into multiple positions, including a first position in which the stand extends outward from the rear face at a first angle and retains the computing device upright at a first orientation, and a second position in which the stand extends outward from the rear face at a second angle and retains the computing device upright at a second orientation. The coupling mechanism is structured to return the stand, from at least each of the first position and the second position, into a closed position that abuts the rear face of the computing device when the coupling mechanism is relaxed.