Introduction: Clamping Laptop Stand for CP Users
I designed a clamping laptop stand for a user with cerebral palsy (CP) who needed better accessibility. This stand securely holds the laptop in place, at the front of the desk and supports the screen for use of touchscreen.
The stand is designed for use with the Dell Latitude 7370 but is compatible with other laptop models. It is also designed to fit desk surfaces with a thickness of 30mm to 70mm. Additionally, it can be adjusted to suit your specific needs.
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Supplies
12 mm Plywood (80*60 cm)
CNC machine (2D cut)
Sanding equipment
Drill
5.2 Wood drill bit
6 mm drill bit
10 mm drill bit
Wood Glue
Wood finish - as you like
Brass tube - 7mm brass tube (5.3mm inner diameter, to fit M5 screw)
Stainless Steel Hex Drive Flat Head screws-
Allen keys set
3d Printer with filaments-
- PETG
- TPU
Step 1: CNC Cut
Cut the 12 mm plywood as shown in the .ai file
there are some extra parts if you'll need.
*After the Plywood is cut on the CNC, the internal corners need to be sanded. This is because CNC machining always leaves a small radius in the internal corners due to the round shape of the cutting bit.
Remove any excess material by sanding. (bridges, etc..)
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Step 2: Brass Tube
Cut the brass tube into two 12mm pieces. Use a tube cutter or any metal saw. These will later be used as bushings between the M5 screw and the tension arm.
Step 3: Drill Jig
3D print jigs using PLA or PETG to accurately position and drill holes for the eccentric clamp.
drill 5.2mm holes as shown above
After drilling the hole, use the 10 mm drill bit (or a countersink drill bit), countersink it to allow the screw head to sit flush.
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Step 4: Assembly & Bonding
Assemble the parts as shown in the picture
Ensure that all parts are fully inserted and align flush with the front surface
Use wood glue to secure it together
Let dry
Step 5: Assembly & Bonding 2
Assemble the parts as shown in the picture on both sides
Use wood glue to secure
let dry
drill 3mm hole through the 3 parts assembled
Countersink it using the 6mm drill bit
secure with the m3 screw (the small screw in the picture)
Step 6: 3D Print - TPU
3D Print these in TPU, choose a color that makes you happy.
for better results with TPU it is recommended to print each part individually.
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Step 7: 3D Print - PETG
Print handles in PETG
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Step 8: Contact Cement
Use contact cement to adhere the printed parts as shown in the picture. Repeat the process for the other side.
Pay close attention, as the TPU parts on each side have a matching angle to properly adjust to the desk.
Step 9: Brass Bushing
Insert the brass tubes into each arm. They should fit with slight pressure and sit flush with both ends. Repeat for both arms.
Step 10: Clamp Assembly
Place the clamp and clamp grip into their slot. Make sure you are using the correct clamp, as the clamp pad has an angle to properly adjust to the desk, just like in Step 8.
Step 11: Clamp Assembly 2
Place the tension arm in its position, ensuring it is set to 'open' (lifted upwards, as shown in the picture) to allow the M5 screw to be inserted. Secure it with a washer and a nut.
Repeat this step for the other side, ensuring the same alignment and secure fastening.
Step 12: Set It Up and Enjoy!
To set it up on the table, hold the clamp upwards against the stand with the desk surface in between (1). Then, lower the handle to lock it in place (2). Finally, place your laptop on the stand, and you're good to go!