Justin Yu
This project aims to design an adjustable stand to facilitate work in various environments, including both traditional desks and relaxed settings like beds or couches. Leveraging Fusion360, the project integrates CAD techniques involving projections, joint movement and sets, rotations, press-pulling, and drilling. Despite limitations in software accessibility, the project showcases a commitment to skill development and practical application through 3D printing and metal fabrication for physical prototyping. By prioritizing functionality over aesthetics and structuring components for versatility, the project lays the groundwork for future iterations and potential contract manufacturing endeavors.
Throughout the design process of this laptop, I underwent several iterations to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Initially, I sketched out a basic structural design before refining it to incorporate specific features, such as hinges for a raisable flap to create additional writing space. Additionally, upon further consideration, I recognized the impracticality of integrating a retractable interior board for a built-in mousepad due to potential issues with maintaining flatness while adjusting the stand's incline. Consequently, I opted to discard this concept and reconsidered the mechanism for adjusting the stand to ensure optimal usability and reliability. These iterative adjustments allowed for a more comprehensive and refined final design that prioritized both functionality and user experience.
In the process of designing this laptop stand, I focused extensively on refining key mechanical components to ensure optimal functionality and user experience. One pivotal element was the ratchet hinge, meticulously redesigned in CAD to allow for the smooth elevation and secure locking of the writing board flap at various incline angles. While honing my CAD skills through this redesign, I recognized the importance of accuracy in manufacturing this component for prototype testing. Similarly, the rotary knob emerged as a critical mechanism for adjusting the laptop support layer's incline, offering practicality and ease of use. By incorporating grooves and a piston mechanism into its design, I aimed to facilitate smooth adjustment and secure locking of the incline, enhancing overall usability. Additionally, I explored different concepts for adjusting the axles, initially considering one-way bearings for stability but ultimately opting for friction-based mechanisms for simplicity and practicality. Throughout these iterations, the focus remained on achieving a balance between functionality, reliability, and manufacturability, ensuring that the final design met the needs of users effectively.
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by Justin Yu