Tablet Support Apparatus with Hinge Locking and Clamping Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current accessories for tablet computers often fail to securely attach devices to keyboards, lack adjustable viewing angles, and compromise the aesthetics of the tablet, while also being bulky and difficult to remove.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus comprising a keyboard, frame, and pivotally connected tablet receiving members with clamping surfaces and inserts, allowing for secure attachment, adjustable viewing angles, and maintaining the tablet's aesthetics, featuring a hinge locking mechanism and wireless modules for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tablet is held in a user's hand or rested on a surface, then the device can be operated, but the viewing angle is fixed and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus employs a hinge mechanism that allows the tablet receiving member to rotate between multiple angular positions, transforming the static support structure into a dynamic one. This enables continuous adjustment of the viewing angle while maintaining secure tablet attachment, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If accessories encase major parts of the tablet to secure attachment, then the tablet is securely attached, but the aesthetics of the tablet are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts only the essential clamping function needed for secure attachment, using minimal contact surfaces on the tablet edges. This avoids encasing major portions of the tablet, thereby maintaining its aesthetic appearance while achieving reliable attachment through the clamping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp surfaces are designed to contact only specific local regions of the tablet (edges or corners) rather than covering large areas. This localized contact provides sufficient attachment security while preserving the overall aesthetic appearance of the tablet's major surfaces.
3Reliability
If accessories are designed to be bulky to provide secure attachment, then the tablet is securely attached, but the accessory is difficult to remove and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is divided into separable components: the keyboard base and the tablet receiving member connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows the tablet to be easily detached by opening the hinge mechanism, while the distributed clamping structure across multiple points maintains secure attachment when closed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the support apparatus provides multiple positioning options, then the viewing angles are adjustable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism provides continuous rotational movement capability, enabling infinite positioning options without requiring multiple discrete adjustable components. This dynamic design achieves high adaptability with minimal structural complexity compared to multi-position mechanical adjustment systems.
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
Provides a secure, aesthetically pleasing, and versatile solution for attaching tablets to keyboards with adjustable viewing angles, enhancing usability and functionality while ensuring easy detachment.
Implementation Method 1
the hinges provide a first amount of friction when the locking mechanism is in the disengaged state. When the locking mechanism is in the engaged state, the hinges provide a second amount of friction.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting a tablet type computer includes a keyboard, a frame and clamps pivotally connected to the frame by hinges. Each clamp has first and second clamping fingers. The apparatus can further include inserts configured to cover at least a portion of the clamping fingers. The inserts releasably grip portions of the tablet-type computer when the portions of the tablet-type computer are inserted between the clamping fingers.