Tablet Support Mechanism With Center-of-Gravity Shift Against Tipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablets, when used with a keyboard, are prone to tipping due to the heavier weight distribution, unlike laptops where the weight is primarily at the base, leading to instability during use.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with a first body and a second body connected by a transmission mechanism, allowing the second body to rotate relative to the first body, shifting the center of gravity to prevent tipping by altering the distance between a reference point and the center of gravity based on the transmission mechanism's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tablet is used with a keyboard in a laptop-like configuration, then the device can function as a laptop alternative, but the tablet is prone to tipping over due to heavier weight distribution at the top
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by adding a weight adjustment mechanism that can shift the center of gravity of the keyboard base forward. This counteracts the top-heavy configuration when the tablet is placed on the keyboard, preventing the device from tipping forward during use. The adjustable weight distribution directly addresses the stability issue while maintaining the laptop alternative functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the center of gravity position adjustable rather than fixed. The weight adjustment mechanism allows users to dynamically change the weight distribution based on different usage scenarios. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to maintain stability in various configurations while preserving the versatility of being used as a laptop alternative.
2Device complexity
If a damping rotation shaft is used to provide support force like in laptops, then the support mechanism is simple, but this method is not applicable to tablets due to different weight distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support function into two independent components: the rotation shaft for angular adjustment and the weight adjustment mechanism for center of gravity control. This segmentation allows each component to address specific requirements - the rotation shaft provides simple mechanical support while the weight adjustment mechanism adapts to tablet-specific weight distribution needs, making the overall system applicable to tablets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a support mechanism that can accommodate both laptop and tablet weight distributions. The combination of rotation shaft and adjustable weight system creates a multi-functional support mechanism that adapts to different device types and usage scenarios, making it universally applicable rather than device-specific.
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 apparatus stabilizes the tablet by reducing the tipping moment through the transmission mechanism, ensuring stability during use by adjusting the distance between the center of gravity and the support point.
Implementation Method 1
shifting the center of gravity to prevent tipping by altering the distance between a reference point and the center of gravity based on the transmission mechanism's state
Data Source
AI summary
A support apparatus includes a first body, a second body, and a transmission mechanism. The first body has a first mass greater than a threshold. The second body is configured to carry an external electronic device. The transmission mechanism connects a first edge of the second body and the first body. Based on the transmission mechanism, the second body is rotatable relative to the first body. In response to the second body having a first angle relative to the first body, the transmission mechanism is in a first state, and in response to the second body having a second angle greater than the first angle relative to the first body, the transmission mechanism is in a second state. In response to the transmission mechanism being in the first state, a first reference point on the first edge and a center of gravity of the first body have a first distance.