Electronic Voting Device Fixed Viewing Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic voting devices struggle to provide optimal viewing angles for both standing and sitting voters, leading to user comfort and accuracy issues due to the need for adjustable hinges or kickstands, which increase complexity, cost, and reduce reliability.

Innovation Solution

The electronic voting device features a rear support structure fixedly attached to the chassis, providing multiple, fixed viewing angles by extending at non-adjustable angles, allowing it to be positioned in two orientations optimized for standing and sitting users, eliminating the need for movable parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable hinge or kickstand is used to provide viewing angle adjustment, then the device can accommodate both standing and sitting voters, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle adaptabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple fixed angular positions rather than using a continuous adjustment mechanism. The display assembly is segmented to provide discrete viewing angles (e.g., 30°, 45°, 60°, 75 degrees) that correspond to different voter positions, eliminating the need for complex hinges or kickstands while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple fixed-angle support structures are integrated into a single unified assembly that provides both standing and sitting voter accommodations. The support legs and display mounting are combined into one structure that inherently provides multiple viewing angles without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable hinge or kickstand is used to provide viewing angle adjustment, then the device can accommodate both standing and sitting voters, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure uses simple fixed angular segments rather than complex adjustable mechanisms, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to accommodate different voter positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed-angle support structure uses inexpensive materials and simple construction methods, replacing expensive hinge mechanisms with straightforward geometric designs that are cost-effective to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hinge or kickstand is used to adjust viewing angles, then the device can adapt to different voter positions, but the reliability decreases due to moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed with fixed angular segments that eliminate moving parts. By segmenting the support into discrete positions rather than using continuous adjustment mechanisms, the design achieves adaptability without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a movable mechanism to achieve angle adjustment, the invention inverts the approach by using fixed structures at predetermined angles. The adaptability is achieved through the arrangement of fixed elements rather than through movement, thereby eliminating wear and failure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a hinge mechanism is used for viewing angle adjustment, then the device can accommodate different voter positions, but the ease of operation decreases for voters with dexterity issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle adaptabilityVSAvoidadjustment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure provides pre-segmented fixed angles that require no manual adjustment by the voter. The discrete angular positions are built into the structure, allowing voters with dexterity issues to simply place the device without manipulating complex hinge mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12033437B2Electronic voting devices with multiple, fixed viewing angles and methods for configuring such devices for standing and sitting voters

Publication Date: 2024.07.09 HART INTERCIVIC INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an electronic voting device that provides multiple, fixed viewing angles for viewing a display screen of the electronic voting device, and associated methods for configuring the electronic voting device for standing and sitting voters. The electronic voting device described in the present disclosure is positionable on a support surface in two fixed positions or orientations. When the electronic voting device is positioned on the support surface in a first device orientation (e.g., a standing orientation), the electronic voting device provides a first, fixed viewing angle that enables standing voters to optimally view the display screen. When the electronic voting device is positioned on the support surface in a second device orientation (e.g., a sitting orientation), the electronic voting device provides a second, fixed viewing angle that enables sitting voters to optimally view the display screen.