iMac Stand
The objective of this project was to create a stand, using SolidWorks, that could support a wall-mounted 24” iMac on a horizontal work surface. As a requirement, the final stand needed to incorporate the following characteristics:
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Adjustability, such that the user can tilt the computer screen between -5 to 15 degrees from the vertical
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Composed exclusively of extruded components and commercially available, of the shelf (COTS) part
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Support the iMac so that the top, when tilted 10 degrees from vertical, is 461 mm from the work surface
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Include a cable pass-through that is at least 300mm^2 and aligns with the plug on the iMac
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All extruded components will have a CCD of no more than 7 inches
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Will accommodate the 100mm x 100mm (M4 screw) VESA mounting pattern
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Before starting the design phase, I completed Value Opportunity (VOA) and Benchmarking Analysis, along with force calculations on comparable computer monitors. The VOA focused on synthesizing the most prominent characteristics of the Apple brand and determining how to integrate this information into a stand design that would align with its users' idealized lifestyles. As for benchmarking, I analyzed and documented apple-compatible stands from second-party sellers currently on the market. Taking the average of their manufacturing cost, I concluded that my design should cost no more than 200 dollars to manufacture per product. As for applied forces, my computer should withstand 7 Newtons, applied horizontally to the top front edge, and 8N Newtons, applied to the top back edge, without tipping backward or forward, respectively. Additionally, the equilibrium angle should be at least 23 degrees when tilted from the horizontal surface.
Design
My stand is composed of aluminum extruded components and commercially available, off-the-shelf parts. There are four extruded pieces, the adapter, arm, base, and extender, along with eight M4 screws that can be purchased through McMaster-Carr. As part of this project, I used SolidWorks to model each element, make assemblies and develop numerous drawings. I used Apple's design aesthetics as my inspiration, trying to stick closely to their brand's image. Apple users are willing to pay large sums of money for their products because of their visual appeal. My stand melds seamlessly with their current iMac, costing only $19.26 per product, offering a cost-effective alternative that works with the established standards of Apple products.
User Considerations
For the design of my stand, I emphasized independence, safety, ease of use, visuals, and tactility. I prioritized independence because, according to the project guidelines, my product should give the user freedom from the constraints of the wall-mounted iMac. As such, my stand allows the monitor to be relocated to any area rather than fastened to one spot. Safety is important because a product should not harm the user; they should feel a sense of security and confidence in the product I have made. Therefore, every connection point on my stand is perfectly aligned, and all components have rounded edges. As for ease of use, the product should incorporate intuitive design and be comfortable to navigate. For the case of my stand, all the users must do is attach the M4 screws found on the adapter to the iMac, and they are ready to go. My product is intuitive since the adapter is the same general shape as the VESA mount, and the screw placement is identical.
Because my product should look visually cohesive with Apple's current line of products, I created a simple and modern design. Taking reference from their purple iMac, I color-matched and incorporated a uniform thickness of 7.5mm to my stand so that it would integrate seamlessly with their aesthetic. As most of Apple's products go for a smooth feel, I gave my product an anodized aluminum finish and intentionally kept a polished surface quality. Also, all of my screws are countersunk to be flush with the surface and concealed whenever possible. For example, I made the screws connecting the base and the extender attach through the bottom of the stand; that way, they do not take away from its visual appeal. Putting them on the bottom keeps the visible components looking sleek, minimalistic, and modern. All of which are prominent aesthetic standards set by Apple.
 Aesthetics |
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Dimensions
I have dimensioned my stand so that it is adjustable by the user. The computer screen can tilt between -5 and 15 degrees from the vertical. Likewise, when the screen is 10 degrees from the vertical, the top of the computer is 461mm from the worksurface; as pictured below:
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Further, I dimensioned a cable pass-through, in the stand, with a total area of 343.27 mm^2, surpassing the requirements, and making it easier for the user to configure their wires.
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All extruded parts can fit within a CCD of less than or equal to 178.8mm (7inches). The images below depict the presses used to manufacture the stands components.
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Lastly, the extruded stand accommodates the 100mm x 100mm (M4 screw) VESA mounting pattern. The hole type is M4, close fit, with a diameter of 4.3mm, a counter sink of 8.00mm, and a counter sink angle of 90 degrees. As seen in the picture below, each hole is 100mm apart horizontally and vertically. Each hole is 8mm from the side edge of the adapter and 43.5mm from the center edge of the part.
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every site.
 Adapter Dimensions |
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 Cable Pass-Through Clearance |
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Final Product
Overall, my product was a success because it met every project requirement. The stand is composed solely of extruded and commercially available components, and the adjustability fits within the range of -5 to 15 degrees. It takes 7.27N of force to tip backward and 8.1 N to tip forwards. When released from the horizontal surface, the equilibrium angles are 33 and 39 degrees, backward and forward, respectively. At 10 degrees from vertical, the iMac is 461mm from the work surface, and the cable pass-through is 343.27mm^2. Lastly, all extruded components have a CCD less than or equal to 7 inches, and the stand will accommodate the 100mm x 100mm (M4 screw) VESA mounting pattern. For a more detailed description of the math behind this project, please click this icon: .
Take Aways
Through the process of making this stand, I strengthened my SolidWorks skills. The three most impactful things I learned were how to make an exploded view video, linked below, use the tools within the evaluate tab of an assembly, and create a motion study.