Inclined Terminal Base with Extensible Slide and Foldable Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable information terminal holding bases are limited in their ability to accommodate devices of varying sizes and do not allow for flexible positioning of the terminal, often fixing the holding position of the phone.
Innovation Solution
A portable information terminal holding base with an inclined main mounting surface, an extensible holding member, and cradle tabs that can be folded and raised to support devices of different sizes, allowing for adjustable positioning and accommodating both smartphones and tablets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed holding base structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it can only hold one type of portable information terminal with predefined dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The holding base is divided into multiple functional segments: a fixed base body, an extensible holding member with sliding mechanism, and multiple foldable cradle tabs. Each segment serves a specific function - the base provides stable support, the extensible member adjusts to different device sizes, and the cradle tabs provide customizable positioning points. This segmentation allows the structure to adapt to various terminal types while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding base incorporates dynamic elements including a slide plate that can extend and retract, and cradle tabs that can be folded and raised. These dynamic components enable the structure to transform from a compact state to an expanded holding configuration, accommodating different terminal dimensions. The slide plate moves along guide rails to extend the holding surface, while cradle tabs pivot to provide support at different positions.
2Ease of operation
If the holding position is fixed, then the structure is stable and simple, but the user cannot freely position the terminal at desired locations
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple independent cradle tabs distributed at different locations on the holding surface. Each cradle tab can be independently folded or raised, providing multiple discrete positioning options. Users can select and activate only the tabs needed for their specific terminal, maintaining simplicity while enabling flexible positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle tabs are designed to be manually folded or raised by the user without requiring complex mechanical assistance. The tabs leverage their own structural properties - when folded, they remain flush with the surface; when raised, they automatically provide support. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for motors, sensors, or complex control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an extensible holding member is added to accommodate larger devices, then the versatility increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extensible holding member utilizes a sliding mechanism where a slide plate moves along guide rails within the base body. This dynamic extension allows the holding surface to expand horizontally to accommodate larger tablets while maintaining a compact form when not in use. The sliding action is achieved through simple mechanical guides and friction-based holding, avoiding complex actuators or motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The extensible holding member employs a thin, flat slide plate that can be easily manufactured from standard materials. The plate's large surface area provides stable support for tablets, while its thin profile minimizes interference with the compact base structure. The flexibility of this thin-component design simplifies manufacturing and assembly compared to rigid, bulky extension mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
To enable a portable information terminal to be freely held at a position desired by a user, a holding base capable of holding one of a first portable information terminal and a second portable information terminal that is larger than the first portable information terminal includes a holding base main body having a main mounting surface inclined with respect to a horizontal surface. A terminal cover to be fixed to a lower end of the main mounting surface supports a lower end of the portable information terminal. An extensible holding member, which is provided on a first side edge portion side of the holding base main body and includes a slide plate that is slidable inside the holding base main body, has an extensible mounting surface that is movable in parallel to the main mounting surface and is capable of holding the second portable information terminal when the extensible holding member is extended to a predetermined extension position. A plurality of cradle tabs provided on the main mounting surface are brought into a state of being embedded below the main mounting surface when the plurality of cradle tabs are folded, and are projected above the main mounting surface when the plurality of cradle tabs are raised, thereby being capable of supporting a lower end of the first portable state terminal on the main mounting surface.