Reconfigurable Stand Connector for Wobble-Free Tilt Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic device stands often suffer from poor ergonomics, 'slop,' and 'blowback' in their hinges when adjusting the vertical or horizontal tilt, and they can be costly due to high part complexity and material expenses, while also being unsightly with visible components.
Innovation Solution
A connector system for electronic device stands that securely retains a bar within a shaft using guide surfaces and a fastener, allowing alignment and contact in multiple degrees of freedom, reducing wobble and shifting, and incorporating a counterbalance mechanism for improved ergonomics and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional stand connectors are used, then the device can be supported, but the connector components are visible and unsightly on the device rear surface
Solution Approach 1:
The connector components (fastener, guide surfaces, retaining features) are extracted from the visible device housing and embedded within the stand bar and shaft assembly. The fastener is received within the shaft interior, and the bar's engagement features are positioned to engage with the shaft from the stand side, not the device side. This extraction removes unsightly components from the device rear surface while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional hinge mechanisms are used, then the stand can provide tilt adjustment, but the hinges produce slop and blowback during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surfaces are configured with curved or tapered geometries that guide the bar into precise engagement with the shaft. The rounded engagement features and curved guide surfaces eliminate flat-spot contact and distribute forces evenly, reducing slop and blowback during tilt adjustment while maintaining smooth operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surfaces are positioned to preliminarily align and center the bar within the shaft before final engagement. This preliminary guidance action ensures that the bar enters the shaft in the correct orientation and position, preventing misalignment and reducing play during subsequent adjustment movements.
3Reliability
If multiple connector components are used to secure the bar, then the connection is stable, but the manufacturing cost and part complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connector functions are merged into integrated features. The bar contains both engagement features (for lateral retention) and alignment features (for axial positioning) as unified structural elements. The shaft contains both receiving features (for the bar) and guiding features (for alignment) in a single component. This merging reduces part count while maintaining connection stability through multi-functional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed with universal compatibility features that allow the same bar-shaft connection mechanism to work across different device and stand configurations. The engagement features and guide surfaces are configured to provide stable connection while accommodating variations in mounting requirements, reducing the need for custom parts for different applications.
4Reliability
If the stand components are made sturdy and solid, then the feel is quality and reliable, but the cost of materials and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stand components are designed with local quality enhancements only where structurally necessary. The bar and shaft have increased thickness or reinforcement specifically at engagement zones and load-bearing sections, while other portions maintain standard dimensions. This localized strengthening provides the required sturdiness and solid feel at connection points without unnecessarily increasing material costs throughout the entire component.
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.