Support frame

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of suitable locations for placing tablet-type electronic devices in test platforms, laboratories, and computer rooms, causing inconvenience during maintenance and testing work.

Innovation Solution

A support frame with an adjustable angle, comprising a column, rocker arm, tray, adjustment shaft, and fixing block, which can be retracted to a flat position, allowing for customizable positioning and damping adjustment, and is suitable for various testing environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the support frame is designed with adjustable angle functionality, then the adaptability for different testing positions is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like adjustment shaft and fixing block

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable angle functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the tray can be rotated to different angles and locked at desired positions. The adjustment shaft with U-shaped grooves and fixing blocks enables the tray to assume multiple angular positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one that adapts to various testing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete functional components: the adjustment shaft with U-shaped grooves, the fixing blocks for locking, and the elastic member for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall adjustability of the support frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the support frame includes adjustment mechanism with multiple components, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex assembly and adjustment steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidadjustment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member (spring) automatically positions the fixing block into the U-shaped groove when the tray is released after adjustment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual positioning or complex locking procedures, allowing operators to simply pull the tray to the desired angle and release it, with the elastic member handling the precise engagement automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the fixing block and the U-shaped groove, providing the force necessary to engage them precisely. This intermediary component simplifies the interaction by automatically ensuring proper alignment and engagement, reducing the operational complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the tray is designed to retract to a flat position, then the space occupation is reduced, but the stability of the tray during adjustment may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupationVSAvoidtray stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped grooves are pre-positioned at specific locations along the adjustment shaft, including positions for both the extended (device placement) and retracted (flat) states. This preliminary arrangement ensures that stable positioning is available at both extremes of the tray's range of motion, maintaining stability regardless of whether the tray is extended or retracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If elastic member is added to provide positioning force, then the positioning reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member transforms the positioning system from a passive mechanical engagement to an active spring-loaded system. By changing the parameter of applying continuous elastic force, the system achieves more reliable positioning where the fixing block is consistently pushed into the U-shaped groove, ensuring positive engagement and preventing accidental disengagement during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 support frame provides a convenient and space-efficient solution for positioning tablet devices, ensuring safety and ease of use in laboratories and computer rooms by allowing adjustable angles and damping control, while maintaining dust and moisture protection.

Implementation Method 1

An elastic member is provided at one end of the adjustment shaft, and the elastic member has one end connected to the adjustment shaft and another end connected to the column or the hinge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the elastic member is a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the column and the rocker arm are connected through a hinge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Implementation Method 4

the support frame further includes a screw, and the screw passes through the U-shaped groove, to connect the fixing block to the adjustment shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS11202506B2Support frame
Publication Date: 2021.12.21 ZHENGZHOU YUNHAI INFORMATION TECH CO LTD
  • US11202506B2 patent drawing
  • US11202506B2 patent drawing
  • US11202506B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A support frame includes a column, a rocker arm, a tray, an adjustment shaft and a fixing block. The column is vertically arranged, the rocker arm is horizontally arranged, and the column and the rocker arm are connected by a hinge. The rocker arm includes a transverse support tube connected to the hinge, and the adjustment shaft is arranged inside the transverse support tube. An elastic member has one end connected to the adjustment shaft and another end connected to the column or the hinge. The transverse support tube is provided with multiple U-shaped grooves, and the fixing block is arranged outside the transverse support tube, and the tray is connected to the fixing block. The fixing block passes through the U-shaped groove to be connected to the adjustment shaft; or, a screw passes through the U-shaped groove, to connect the fixing block to the adjustment shaft.