Stand Connector Assembly for Wobble-Free Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic device stands often suffer from poor ergonomics, high manufacturing costs, and unsightly components due to complex designs and materials, leading to issues like 'slop' and 'blowback' in hinges when adjusting the tilt or position of devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of a connector system with guide surfaces and fasteners that securely align and lock electronic device bars within support stands, providing five or six degrees of freedom, thus eliminating wobble and enhancing user experience by ensuring a sturdy and adjustable support system without unsightly elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex designs and materials are used in stands, then reliability and stability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a bar with guide surfaces, a shaft with complementary guide surfaces, and a fastener. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall reliability through their coordinated interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft acts as an intermediary element between the bar and the fastener, transmitting rotational motion and forces while the guide surfaces provide controlled interaction. This intermediary mechanism achieves reliable connection without requiring complex integrated designs.
2Reliability
If complex designs and materials are used in stands, then reliability and stability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the connector into separate bar, shaft, and fastener components enables each part to be manufactured using simpler, more cost-effective processes. The segmented design allows for standardized production methods and reduces the need for expensive custom-machined integrated parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components are designed as replaceable, cost-effective parts that can be easily manufactured and, if necessary, replaced. This approach prioritizes affordability and ease of manufacture over using expensive durable materials, while maintaining sufficient reliability for the application.
3Reliability
If guide surfaces are driven into contact through fastener rotation, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surfaces are positioned and oriented such that when the fastener is tightened, the bar and shaft automatically self-align and drive into contact without requiring precise manual positioning. The geometry of the guide surfaces enables self-correcting alignment that reduces the skill and effort needed for operation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
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.