Tape Spring Kickstand Bi-Stable Support Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a kickstand that supports portable information handling systems with minimal impact on weight and thickness while providing stable and durable configurability, as consumer demand increases for devices that can be easily configured for various usage positions without compromising portability.
Innovation Solution
A tape spring kickstand assembly is rotationally coupled to the housing portion of the information handling system, featuring bi-stable tape springs that transition between engaged and disengaged positions as the kickstand base rotates, allowing for stable support in different configurations while minimizing weight and thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a kickstand is added to support portable information handling systems, then stability and configurability are improved, but weight and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tape spring mechanism that functions as a flexible thin film structure. The tape spring is a thin, flexible metal strip that can be easily stored within the device housing without adding significant weight or thickness, yet provides sufficient mechanical force to support the device in various kickstand configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The kickstand mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the tape spring for providing mechanical force, the kickstand base for support, and the housing integration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall portability.
2Reliability
If a kickstand is added to support portable information handling systems, then stability and configurability are improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tape spring is nested within the housing portion of the device when not in use. The kickstand base rotates from a retracted position within the housing to an extended support position, allowing the mechanism to provide full kickstand functionality without permanently increasing the device's external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The kickstand mechanism transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, movable system. The rotating kickstand base and flexible tape spring allow the device to adapt between multiple configurations (closed, partially open, fully open positions), providing stability only when needed while maintaining a thin profile during storage.
3Reliability
If a bi-stable tape spring mechanism is used, then stability in configured positions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-stable tape spring mechanism is self-actuating and does not require external motors, batteries, or electronic controls. The inherent elasticity and geometry of the tape spring automatically provide the force needed to maintain stable positions, eliminating the need for additional power systems or control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex active control system from the kickstand mechanism and replaces it with a passive, mechanically self-regulating tape spring system. This extraction removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the essential function of providing stable, configurable support positions.
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 tape spring kickstand assembly provides stable support for portable information handling systems in various positions, maintaining rigidity when engaged and folding flat when disengaged, thus enhancing configurability and portability without increasing the device's weight or thickness.
Implementation Method 1
the tape spring comprising a bi-stable structure having an engaged and a disengaged position, the tape spring configured to transition to the engaged position as the kickstand base is rotated from the housing portion
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for coupling a tape spring kickstand to a housing portion of an information handling system. The information handling system includes a housing portion, a kickstand base rotationally coupled to the housing portion, and a tape spring coupled to the kickstand base and the housing portion, the tape spring comprising a bi-stable structure having an engaged and a disengaged position, the tape spring configured to transition to the engaged position as the kickstand base is rotated from the housing portion.