One-Handed Tablet Stand with Elastic Locking Groove

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current supporting mechanisms for portable electronic devices, such as tablet computers, require complex operations and fail to provide sufficient stability when standing them on a surface, leading to frequent falls.

Innovation Solution

A supporting module comprising a frame, a support, and a rod with elastic arms and fastening portions that allow for easy assembly and disassembly, enabling the device to be securely positioned and stably stood on a surface using a single hand, with the elastic arms and fastening portions interacting to adjust the support's inclination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cover is used to support the tablet computer, then the device can be stood on a surface, but the operation becomes overly complex and stability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting module is divided into separate functional components: a frame assembly with groove and fastening portions, a support with connection portions, and a rod with pivotal and movable portions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support connection portion is designed to be pivotable on the frame, and the rod's movable portion can slide within the groove. These dynamic elements enable easy adjustment and positioning of the support angle, allowing one-handed operation while maintaining stability through adjustable geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a cover is used to support the tablet computer, then the device can be stood on a surface, but the structure becomes overly complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the structural base, contains the groove for rod movement, includes fastening portions for securing the rod, and acts as the mounting interface for the support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The rod is inserted into and slides within the groove of the frame assembly, with the movable portion of the rod nested within the confined space of the groove. This nesting arrangement allows the rod to move freely while being contained within the frame structure, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the support is made movable for easy positioning, then operation is simplified, but stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning easeVSAvoidsupport stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic arm is pre-positioned to engage with the fastening portion of the rod. When the rod is moved to the desired position within the groove, the elastic arm automatically presses against the fastening portion to secure it, providing preliminary stabilization before final positioning is complete.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic arm automatically engages and disengages the fastening portion of the rod based on the rod's position within the groove. When the rod is pushed or pulled, the elastic arm self-adjusts to either secure or release the rod, providing self-service stabilization without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms.

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

Simplifies the operation of standing an electronic device by allowing one-handed opening, positioning, and closing of the support, while providing enhanced stability through adjustable inclination and secure fastening, preventing the device from falling.

Implementation Method 1

the movable portion is slid to the second end of the groove, the rod is pressed by the elastic arm, such that the second fastening portion is fastened with the first fastening portion for fixing the movable portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

When the support is moved close to the frame by a force, the elastic arm is pressed by the rod, such that the second fastening portion is detached from the first fastening portion for releasing the movable portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The support has a first connection portion and a second connection portion, and the first connection portion is pivoted on the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 4

The rod includes a bar portion, a pivotal portion and a movable portion. The pivotal portion and the movable portion are respectively disposed on two ends of the bar portion, wherein the two ends of the bar portion are opposite to each other. The pivotal portion is pivoted on the second connection portion of the support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS9756747B1Portable electronic device and supporting module thereof
Publication Date: 2017.09.05 WISTRON CORP
  • US9756747B1 patent drawing
  • US9756747B1 patent drawing
  • US9756747B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A supporting module includes a frame, a support and a rod. The frame includes a main portion, a first fastening portion and an elastic arm. The main portion has a groove. The first fastening portion and the elastic arm are disposed close to an end of the groove, and the first fastening portion and the elastic arm are disposed in the groove, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite to each other. The support has a first connection portion pivoted on the frame, and a second connection portion. The rod includes a bar portion, a pivotal portion and a movable portion. The pivotal portion and the movable portion are disposed on the bar portion. The pivotal portion is pivoted on the second connection portion. The movable portion is slidable in the groove, and the movable portion includes a second fastening portion.