Reconfigurable Stand Connector and Hinge Design to Reduce Wobble
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic device stands often suffer from poor ergonomics, 'slop,' and 'blowback' in their hinges when adjusting the tilt of devices, and they can be expensive due to high part complexity and custom materials, lacking versatility and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A connector system that securely aligns and locks a bar from an electronic device within a support stand using guide surfaces and a fastener, providing five or six degrees of freedom, and a counterbalance mechanism to enhance ergonomics and adjustability, while hiding unsightly mechanisms for improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom materials and high-complexity parts are used to achieve a solid and sturdy feel, then reliability and stability are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into modular components: a bar with guide surfaces, a receiver with corresponding guide surfaces, and a fastener. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard materials and processes while achieving reliable connection through their coordinated interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar and receiver design with standardized guide surfaces and mounting interfaces that can accommodate various electronic devices and stand configurations. This universal design enables the same connection assembly to be used across different product lines without requiring custom parts for each application.
2Reliability
If custom materials and high-complexity parts are used to achieve a solid and sturdy feel, then reliability and stability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly uses standard, easily manufactured materials such as aluminum or plastic for the bar and receiver, and common fasteners. These components can be produced cost-effectively through standard manufacturing processes without requiring expensive custom materials, while still providing sufficient durability for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surfaces are integrated directly into the bar and receiver structures rather than being separate components. This merging reduces the total part count and eliminates the need for additional manufacturing steps, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining connection reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rear-facing side of the device housing is covered with cords, hinges, markings, ports, labels, fasteners, and other components, then functionality is improved, but aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener mechanism is designed to be accessible from the front or side of the device rather than requiring rear access. This extraction of the fastening function from the rear housing surface allows the rear face to maintain a clean, aesthetic appearance while preserving full functionality of the stand connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar extends from the device housing to provide a connection interface that can be engaged by the stand without exposing fasteners or mechanical components on the rear housing surface. This intermediary structure mediates between the aesthetic requirement for a clean rear face and the functional requirement for secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.