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iPad Stand Design (Prototype)

mpuck972

mpuck972

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Aug 31, 2007
400
0
Created a 3D model of the iPad in SolidWorks based off sketch pictures from Apple, then designed a quick stand. Now going to 3D print it on one of our rapid prototype machines to see how it works. Anyone have any ideas for design changes?

There is a built in gap in the holding are to line it with felt to keep from scratching it.

4505624880_a093d2d6ee_o.jpg


4505624898_eb66f898cf_o.jpg


4504990051_0bd1efa672_o.jpg
 
Sounds complicated.

This flat piece of plastic comes with the InCase neoprene case being sold at the Apple Store.
Simply curve it and set the iPad on it - done.

incasestand.jpg
 
mullman said:
Sounds complicated.

This flat piece of plastic comes with the InCase neoprene case being sold at the Apple Store.
Simply curve it and set the iPad on it - done.
Click to expand...

Is this an idea you came up with or did they include that piece for this purpose? It looks cool; looks like there are notches cut out to hold it in place?
 
Sdevante said:
Is this an idea you came up with or did they include that piece for this purpose? It looks cool; looks like there are notches cut out to hold it in place?
Click to expand...

No, that is exactly how it ships, notches already cut.
 
Very nice design..I'm jealous you have the time to work on it. I can't even get all my productions parts finished in Camworks (solidworks). <sigh> It's like someone turned the faucet on two weeks ago...my lathes are covered up, mills are 2+ weeks...luckily the routers are still 10 days (high production rate)..

Think the design is beautiful though...difficult to produce inexpensively but still nice...
 
It looks too narrow to use on your lap. Personally i dont see the iPad as a desktop device, more of a true lap-top device.

I'd like to see a shallower angle and a wider stand so you can use it on your lap comfortably.
 
It looks alright but one apple logo in the back is enough for me.

Personally I hate accessories that go overboard with the apple logo on it.
My product already have one built IN I dont need more.


To each it's own. Some people love :apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple::apple: on everything apple related they own.
 
I'd think that the best stand would be compact and portable so you can use it anywhere. The guy with the incase strap has the right idea. So do the people who have bought folding picture frame stands.
 
undrpsi said:
Very nice design..I'm jealous you have the time to work on it. I can't even get all my productions parts finished in Camworks (solidworks). <sigh> It's like someone turned the faucet on two weeks ago...my lathes are covered up, mills are 2+ weeks...luckily the routers are still 10 days (high production rate)..

Think the design is beautiful though...difficult to produce inexpensively but still nice...
Click to expand...

It also helps that I work for SolidWorks! I try to spend a few hours a week modeling something in SolidWorks just to stay fresh on the software.

I'm going ton upload the model to 3D Content Central so others can design stuff for it as well.
 
There is some good advice here. Nevertheless, the problem is that Staples sells a variety of business card holders and book stands for less than $10 that work just as well.
 
emptyCup said:
There is some good advice here. Nevertheless, the problem is that Staples sells a variety of business card holders and book stands for less than $10 that work just as well.
Click to expand...

And this will cost me nothing.
 
Hey did you go through with your 3D prototype print? The most important suggestion I can make is check where the centre of gravity is located. Judging by the images you've posted, the COG would be very close, if not behind, the back edge of your stand. You will find that even if the stand and ipad stay upright, the smallest push on the screen will send it tipping backwards (unless your base is manufactured from a sufficiently heavy material) ;)
 
mullman said:
Sounds complicated.

This flat piece of plastic comes with the InCase neoprene case being sold at the Apple Store.
Simply curve it and set the iPad on it - done.

incasestand.jpg
Click to expand...

Complete garbage, the iPad will tip over very easily when touching the screen.
 
A great stand design would incorporate the following:

1) Portability - either compact in size or folds into a compact size.
2) Lightweight yet sturdy.
3) Non-slip grip when placed on a smooth surface.
4) Multiple viewing angles for typing or movie viewing.
5) Supports the iPad in both landscape and portrait orientation.
6) Allows the iPad to be plugged in while using any orientation.
7) Can be used with various cases.

Here's one of the more interesting stands I've seen but it's pricey:

http://www.jadu-industries.com/iPad-Accessories/iPad-Stand.html

Personally I prefer a case with built in stand functionality so I always have the stand with me and don't have to carry it around separately.
 
vynn said:
A great stand design would incorporate the following:

1) Portability - either compact in size or folds into a compact size.
2) Lightweight yet sturdy.
3) Non-slip grip when placed on a smooth surface.
4) Multiple viewing angles for typing or moving viewing.
5) Supports the iPad in both landscape and portrait orientation.
6) Allows the iPad to be plugged in while using any orientation.
7) Can be used with various cases.

Here's one of the more interesting stands I've seen but it's pricey:

http://www.jadu-industries.com/iPad-Accessories/iPad-Stand.html

Personally I prefer a case with built in stand functionality so I always have the stand with me and don't have to carry it around separately.
Click to expand...

I would agree with your list of features. I just got this, http://www.igearusa.com/meadipstfora.html. It's too early for me to say if it's a long-term solution, but I like it so far.
-flexible: can hold iPad at various angles - almost flat to almost vertical
-very portable
-seems sturdy enough, won't tip over
-can accommodate most cases I imagine
On the downside, it feels a bit cheaply made and overpriced at $60. But if you google around you can find it for much less and there's a 20% off the $60 coupon for this weekend at the iGear site.
 
mullman said:
Sounds complicated.

This flat piece of plastic comes with the InCase neoprene case being sold at the Apple Store.
Simply curve it and set the iPad on it - done.

incasestand.jpg
Click to expand...

Some have reported that the iPad shoots out and lands on the floor. lol
 
That's quite cool! Not particularly portable, but I think you'll need a stand only if your iPad is on a surface, like a desk or the kitchen counter.

It's much better than most of the alternatives out there in the market.
 
mpuck972 said:
Created a 3D model of the iPad in SolidWorks based off sketch pictures from Apple, then designed a quick stand. Now going to 3D print it on one of our rapid prototype machines to see how it works. Anyone have any ideas for design changes?

There is a built in gap in the holding are to line it with felt to keep from scratching it.

4505624880_a093d2d6ee_o.jpg


4505624898_eb66f898cf_o.jpg


4504990051_0bd1efa672_o.jpg
Click to expand...

Your stand does not need to be that tall and that wide. Look at this...

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/890995/
 
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