Wallet-Size Folding Stand for Adjustable Mobile Device Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device stands are not thin enough to fit inside a wallet and do not allow for adjustable orientation in both landscape and portrait views, limiting their portability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible apparatus with a slim storage profile, comprising interconnected plastic parts with hinges and swivels, allowing transformation from a credit card-sized storage form to a functional stand that supports mobile devices at adjustable angles between 0° and 180°, enabling both landscape and portrait orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing stands are made thick enough to provide stable support, then support stability is improved, but portability deteriorates because they cannot fit inside a wallet
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into multiple segments (base, support arm, mounting section) that can be articulated relative to each other. This segmentation allows the stand to achieve a stable extended configuration for supporting devices while collapsing into a thin profile for wallet storage, resolving the contradiction between stability and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand employs dynamic articulation mechanisms with hinges and swivels that allow the structure to transition between a compact thin state and an extended stable state. This dynamic capability enables the stand to provide stable support when deployed while maintaining a thin profile when stored, eliminating the need for a fixed thick structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stand structure is made rigid for stable device holding, then device holding stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because it cannot adjust to different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The stand incorporates dynamic articulation joints (hinges and swivels) that allow the rigid support structure to be adjusted to different angles and orientations while maintaining stability at each position. This enables the stand to adapt to various device orientations (portrait, landscape, angled views) while preserving device holding stability through proper gravitational centering.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand allows changes in geometric parameters (angles, positions) of its articulated components to achieve different device orientations. By adjusting the configuration of the base, support arm, and mounting section, the stand can accommodate various viewing angles and device positions while maintaining stable support through controlled gravitational balance.
3Length of moving object
If the stand is made thin to fit in a wallet, then portability is improved, but structural complexity increases to achieve transformation
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is segmented into distinct components (base, support arm, mounting section) connected by simple articulation joints. This segmentation enables the thin profile to be achieved through controlled collapse of segments while the transformation complexity is managed by using straightforward hinge and swivel mechanisms rather than complex assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism is designed to be self-operating through user manipulation of the hinges and swivels, eliminating the need for motors, batteries, or complex control systems. The gravitational force and simple mechanical joints provide the transformation capability, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the thin wallet-friendly profile.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple articulation points are added to enable full orientation adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system is divided into functional segments (base hinge, support arm hinge, mounting swivel) where each component provides a specific degree of freedom. This segmentation achieves comprehensive orientation adjustment capability while managing complexity by assigning specific rotational functions to each joint rather than using a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism is designed so that the same set of hinges and swivels serves multiple functions: enabling orientation adjustment, providing stable support positions, and allowing compact folding. This multi-functionality achieves full orientation adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as each component performs multiple roles in the system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to support a device includes a first base; a first support; a first base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the first base and the first support along a first axis of rotation; a first swivel slidably connected to the first support and having a first cut-out adapted to receive a first portion of the device; a second base; a second support; a second base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the second base and the second support along a second axis of rotation; and a second swivel slidably connected to the second support and having a second cut-out adapted to receive a second portion of the device spaced apart from the first portion of the device.