Self-Supporting Book With Flexible Joint And Stabilizing Sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional books are difficult to prop up securely on a flat surface due to stiff bindings that often close or change pages without manual support, and existing designs either weaken the cover or lack structural rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting book design featuring a front cover with a flexible joint, a back cover connected to a spine, and a stabilizing sheet that, when combined with an elastic member or hook-and-loop fasteners, allows the book to be propped up in a stable, hands-free position with lay-flat pages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a folding member is used to prop the book up, then the book can be supported at an angle, but the folding member weakens the cover and binding
Solution Approach 1:
The book is divided into three separate covers (front cover, back cover, and third cover) instead of a traditional two-cover structure. This segmentation allows each cover to serve specific functions: the front and back covers maintain structural integrity while the third cover acts as a dedicated support element that can be folded to various angles without compromising the main binding.
Solution Approach 2:
The third cover serves as an intermediary element between the binding and the support function. It is connected to the back cover through a flexible joint, allowing it to extend and prop the book up while the main binding remains unaffected. This intermediary structure transfers the propping function away from the primary cover-binding assembly.
2Ease of operation
If a folding member is used to prop the book up, then the book can be supported, but the arrangement lacks structural rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The third cover is constructed as a composite structure with a rigid outer shell providing structural integrity and a flexible joint mechanism allowing controlled movement. This composite design enables the cover to maintain rigidity when propping the book while still allowing the necessary folding motion for adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hook and loop fasteners are used to prop the book, then the book can be secured at various angles, but the arrangement interferes with the user's clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The hook and loop fasteners are extracted from the visible exterior surfaces and relocated to the interior surfaces of the covers. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of clothing interference while maintaining the versatile angle adjustment capability, as the fasteners only engage when the book is being propped and are hidden from contact with the user's body.
4Strength
If stiff bindings are used in traditional books, then the book maintains structural integrity, but the book is difficult to hold open on a flat surface
Solution Approach 1:
The binding function is segmented from the cover structure. The stiff binding remains intact within the main book structure, while the third cover connected by a flexible joint provides the additional degree of freedom needed for propping. This segmentation allows both stiff binding and easy propping to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static two-cover structure to a dynamic three-cover structure with a flexible joint. This dynamic element allows the book to adapt its configuration - remaining closed or flat when needed, and opening to various propped angles when required - while the stiff binding maintains structural integrity throughout.
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 design provides a secure and stable propping mechanism that prevents the book from collapsing, allowing for easy reading and display of pages without compromising the cover's integrity, enabling hands-free use.
Implementation Method 1
when combined with an elastic member or hook-and-loop fasteners
Implementation Method 2
hook-and-loop fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A book has a front cover having a first edge which is unconnected, and an opposing second edge which is connected to a spine. A back cover has a first edge which is connected to the spine and an opposing second edge which is connected to flexible joint or fold-line. The book has a third cover having a first edge which is connected to the flexible joint, that couples the third cover to the back cover, and an opposing second edge which is connected to binding. The front page is configured to fold back about the spine to retain the third cover proximal the second edge of the third cover to retain the book in a propped-up position for reading. A page holder slides along the left and right sides of the third cover and has an opening that allows a page to be pushed therethrough.