Support devices for holding items and methods of making and using the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices for personal electronic devices lack versatility in angular positioning and rotational manipulation, limiting user convenience and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A support device comprising a base assembly, a stand assembly pivotally attached via a hinge, and an engagement assembly with a removable platform that allows for angular positioning and rotational manipulation of electronic devices, including features like magnets for secure attachment and a sliding handle for easy manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a support device is designed with fixed positioning, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but angular positioning versatility and rotational manipulation capability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular positioning and rotational manipulation capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is divided into multiple independent assemblies: base assembly, stand assembly with first rotation assembly, engagement assembly with second rotation assembly, and removable platform assembly. Each assembly can rotate independently relative to others, enabling versatile angular positioning while keeping individual components relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from fixed positioning to dynamic, adjustable positioning through multiple rotation assemblies. The stand assembly rotates relative to the base, the engagement assembly rotates relative to the stand, and the platform can be removed and repositioned, allowing continuous adjustment of viewing angles and orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rotation assemblies are added for versatile positioning, then angular positioning and rotational manipulation are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular positioning and rotational manipulation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of assemblies and mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each rotation assembly serves multiple functions: the stand assembly provides both support and rotational adjustment, the engagement assembly enables both device attachment and additional rotation, and the removable platform allows both positioning and easy removal for portability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement assembly is nested within the stand assembly structure, and the removable platform assembly is nested within the engagement assembly. This nested configuration allows multiple rotation assemblies to be integrated in a compact manner, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatile functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If a removable platform assembly is included for easy manipulation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanipulation convenienceVSAvoidnumber of assemblies and mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removable platform assembly is pre-equipped with attachment elements (magnets, adhesive pads, or mechanical clamps) that enable quick attachment and detachment of electronic devices. This preliminary preparation of attachment mechanisms allows users to easily manipulate and reposition devices without complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment elements on the removable platform assembly enable self-service attachment and detachment of electronic devices. Magnets provide automatic attraction, adhesive pads offer self-bonding, and mechanical clamps enable easy gripping, all reducing the need for additional tools or complex manipulation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 versatile angular positioning and rotational manipulation of electronic devices, such as cell phones, between portrait and landscape views, enhancing user convenience and functionality compared to existing devices.

Implementation Method 1

The removable platform assembly can include an attachment element, such as a magnet, that can attach to a user device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250089889A1Support devices for holding items and methods of making and using the same
Publication Date: 2025.03.20 PHIFER INC
  • US20250089889A1 patent drawing
  • US20250089889A1 patent drawing
  • US20250089889A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure is directed to support devices and methods of making and using the same. A support device of the disclosure may be provided to hold one or more items, such as an electronic device. The support device can include (a) a base assembly; (b) a stand assembly pivotally attached to the base by a hinge, and the stand assembly including a first rotation assembly; and (c) an engagement assembly that includes a second rotation assembly, and the second rotation assembly engaged with the first rotation assembly such that the engagement assembly is rotatably attached to and supported on the stand assembly; and (d) a removable platform assembly that is slidably and removably supported on the engagement assembly, and the removable platform assembly including an attachment element that is configured to attach to a user device.