US 12491430

Analysis of U.S. Patent 12,491,430: Puzzle Platform

Date of Analysis: 2026-05-13

A review of U.S. Patent 12,491,430, titled "Puzzle platform," has been conducted. As of this date, no records of litigation involving this patent have been identified in the 2026 dockets of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC).

I. Key Patent Information

• Title: Puzzle platform
• Patent Number: 12,491,430 (also cited as US12491430B2)
• Assignee: Individual
• Inventor: Xiaoling CHE
• Filing Date: January 7, 2025
• Issue Date: December 9, 2025
• Priority Date: The patent claims priority to multiple earlier applications, with the earliest listed as September 26, 2021.
• Abstract: The patent describes a puzzle platform for use on a playing surface. It includes a puzzle board with a puzzle plate for puzzle pieces and at least one drawer underneath. A kickstand supports the board at an incline, during which the rotating device is in a non-working state. When the kickstand is not in use, the puzzle board can be rotated on the playing surface using a rotating device, at which point the kickstand is in a non-working state. This dual-functionality aims to make playing with puzzles more convenient.

II. Overview of Independent Claims

The patent includes one or more independent claims which define the core scope of the invention. A plain-language summary of the primary independent claim is provided below.

Independent Claim 1 (Implicit): The primary invention described is a puzzle platform that offers two distinct modes of operation for user convenience.

1. Tilted Mode: The platform features a puzzle board, which has a main surface (a puzzle plate) for assembling a jigsaw puzzle and at least one puzzle drawer stored beneath it. A kickstand is attached to the board. When the user deploys the kickstand, it props the entire puzzle board up at an angle on a table or floor ("playing place"). In this tilted position, a separate rotating device (like a lazy Susan) attached to the bottom of the board is lifted off the surface and is considered non-operational.
2. Rotating Mode: When the user is not using the kickstand (i.e., it is folded away), the puzzle board rests on the rotating device. This allows the user to spin the entire board 360 degrees, making it easier to reach different sections of the puzzle without changing their own position. In this mode, the kickstand is folded up and considered non-operational.

In essence, the claim protects the combination of a puzzle board that can be either propped up at a fixed angle with a kickstand or laid flat to rotate via a turntable-like mechanism, with the two support systems (kickstand and rotating device) being separate components and intended for use one at a time.

As of April 26, 2026, there is no known litigation involving US patent 12491430.

A comprehensive search of patent litigation databases, including the Unified Patents portal, PACER, and CAFC case listings, did not yield any results for cases specifically involving US patent 12491430.

As of 2026-05-13, no AIA trial proceedings (IPR, PGR, or CBM) have been filed against US patent 12,491,430.

Proceedings Overview

There are no PTAB proceedings on file for US patent 12,491,430, which provides a defendant with a full range of invalidity arguments and procedural options before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Strategic Summary

As the patent has not been subject to any AIA trial proceedings, all of its claims remain untested before the PTAB. For a party accused of infringement, this presents a clean slate for a validity challenge.

• Claim Status: All claims of US patent 12,491,430 are currently UNTESTED at the PTAB. No claims have been canceled or sustained through an AIA trial.
• Estoppel Landscape: No petitioner estoppel under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e) exists. A defendant is free to file an inter partes review challenging the patent on any grounds based on prior art consisting of patents or printed publications.
• Pattern Signals: The absence of PTAB challenges is a notable data point. This could indicate several possibilities: the patent may not have been widely or aggressively asserted, or parties who have been approached have chosen to settle early rather than challenge the patent's validity at the PTAB. For a new defendant, it means there is no established record of how the patent owner litigates at the board or how the board has previously interpreted the claims.

Recommended Next Steps

For a defendant currently facing an assertion of US patent 12,491,430, the key takeaway is that an inter partes review is a fully available defensive option.

Given that no PTAB proceedings have been filed, a defendant should:

1. Conduct a thorough prior art search to identify potential grounds for an IPR.
2. Evaluate the strength of the identified prior art against the patent's claims.
3. Consider an IPR as a strategic tool to potentially invalidate the patent and/or stay co-pending district court litigation. The patent has not been "hardened" by surviving previous PTAB challenges, making a well-founded petition a potent defensive measure.

Inventors

• Xiaoling CHE: The sole inventor listed on the patent. The original and current assignee is "Individual," indicating the inventor has retained ownership from the time of filing.

Original assignee

The original assignee is the inventor, Xiaoling CHE. The patent text lists the assignee as "Individual." The invention is a "Puzzle platform." Based on the available information, it is unclear whether the inventor has manufactured or shipped a commercial product embodying the claims of US patent 12491430.

Assignment timeline

A search of the USPTO Patent Assignment Search database reveals no recorded assignments for US patent 12491430 as of 2026-05-13. The patent ownership remains with the original inventor.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 12491430
    2021 : Earliest priority date
    2025 : Application filed
         : Issued and granted to inventor

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer: Not present. There are no recorded assignments transferring the patent from the inventor to any other entity.

2. Known asserter in the chain: Not present. The patent remains with the inventor; no known asserters appear in the chain.

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain: Not present. There are no recorded assignments and therefore no correspondents of record for any transfers.

4. Cascading transfers: Not present. There have been no assignments.

5. Pre-litigation transfer: Not present. There have been no assignments.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale: Not present. There is no evidence that the original assignee (the inventor) has undergone bankruptcy or sold assets in such a proceeding.

7. Privateering: Not present. The patent has not been transferred to a third-party asserter.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE): Not present. The patent has not been assigned to a defensive aggregator.

Verdict

Insufficient data

The patent has no recorded assignments and remains with the original inventor, Xiaoling CHE. Without any transfers, litigation history, or other assertion-related activity, there is no evidence to suggest NPE-related behavior or intent.

Verification Link: USPTO Assignment Search for US 12491430

Analysis of Prior Art for U.S. Patent No. 12,491,430

Date of Analysis: 2026-05-13
Subject Patent: US 12,491,430 B2
Title: Puzzle platform
Filing Date: 2025-01-07
Publication Date: 2025-12-09

Core Inventive Concept of US 12,491,430: The patent describes a puzzle platform featuring a multi-functional support system. The platform includes a puzzle board with a main puzzle plate and integrated puzzle drawers beneath it. The novelty appears to lie in the combination of two distinct support mechanisms: a kickstand that allows the board to be propped up at an incline, and a separate rotating device (akin to a lazy Susan) that allows the entire board to be rotated 360 degrees when lying flat. The system is designed so that these two functions are mutually exclusive: when the kickstand is in use, the rotating device is in a non-working, inclined state; when the board is flat and using the rotating device, the kickstand is in a non-working, closed position. The claims likely focus on the structural arrangement and spatial relationship between the kickstand and the rotating device.

Based on the patent's own "Priority claimed from" data, the following patents are considered the most relevant prior art. As this patent is a continuation of several earlier applications, these references represent the evolution of the invention and are critical for understanding the scope of the new claims.

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Prior Art Analysis:

The following references are cited as priority documents for US 12,491,430 and are analyzed for their potential to anticipate the claims under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

1. US Patent 11,890,551 B2

• Full Citation: US 11,890,551 B2
• Priority Date: 2021-09-26 (based on priority claim from application US17/505,587 filed on 2021-10-19)
• Brief Description: This patent, part of the same family, likely discloses the foundational concept of a puzzle platform with features for convenience. Given the continuity, it probably describes a puzzle board with storage drawers and a support mechanism. The key point of analysis would be whether it explicitly discloses both a kickstand for tilting and a separate rotating device for spinning the board, and their described operational relationship.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference is highly likely to anticipate the basic claims related to a puzzle board with drawers and either a tilting mechanism or a rotating mechanism. For a claim in US 12,491,430 to be novel over this reference, it would need to add a specific limitation not present in the '551 patent, such as the particular spatial arrangement where the projections of the kickstand and rotating device on the puzzle plate's plane do not overlap (as described in one embodiment of the '430 patent), or where one falls within the other.

2. US Patent 12,104,744 B2

• Full Citation: US 12,104,744 B2
• Priority Date: 2022-06-01 (based on priority claim from application US17/829,359)
• Brief Description: Titled "Turner apparatus," this patent application from the same inventor appears to focus on the rotating mechanism itself. The abstract describes a "turner apparatus" for allowing relative rotation between two objects. It's plausible this document provides a detailed disclosure of the rotating device (component 5 in the '430 patent).
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference could anticipate claims in US 12,491,430 that are directed broadly to the structure of the rotating device. However, it is less likely to anticipate the combination claims that require the presence of both the specific rotating device and the kickstand, along with the puzzle board and drawers, all interacting as described in the '430 patent's abstract ("When the kickstand supports the puzzle board... the rotating device is in a non-working state.").

3. US Patent 12,059,631 B2

• Full Citation: US 12,059,631 B2
• Priority Date: 2023-08-18 (based on priority claim from application US18/235,416)
• Brief Description: As a more recent continuation-in-part in the same family, this patent likely discloses a more evolved version of the puzzle platform. It may introduce more specific configurations of the kickstand and rotating device. The analysis would depend on what specific improvements or alternative embodiments were introduced in this filing compared to the earlier ones.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference may anticipate broader claims in the '430 patent. The novelty of the '430 patent's claims would have to lie in features not disclosed in the '631 patent. For example, the '430 patent describes embodiments where the kickstand is made of metal wires (FIG. 17) or where its projection falls within the projection of the rotating device (Ninth Embodiment). If these specific details are not in the '631 patent, claims directed to them would be novel.

4. US Patent 12,048,885 B2

• Full Citation: US 12,048,885 B2
• Priority Date: 2023-08-21 (based on priority claim from application US18/235,896)
• Brief Description: Filed shortly after the '416 application, this document represents another incremental development. It likely contains overlapping disclosure with the other family members but may introduce a new embodiment or refine an existing one.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: Similar to the other family members, this patent could anticipate claims to the general combination of a puzzle board, drawers, kickstand, and rotator. The patentability of the '430 claims would depend on the specificity of their limitations. For example, Claim 1 of the '430 patent (inferred from the summary) might recite a specific positional relationship, such as "a projection of the kickstand on the projection plane and a projection of the rotating device on the projection plane do not overlap." This specific geometric constraint might not be present in the '885 patent, thereby avoiding anticipation.

5. US Patent 12,053,709 B2

• Full Citation: US 12,053,709 B2
• Priority Date: 2023-12-06 (based on priority claim from application US18/530,402)
• Brief Description: This is the most immediate parent application mentioned before the series that led directly to the '430 patent. It almost certainly discloses the core combination of the puzzle board with the dual-mode kickstand and rotating device.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This is one of the strongest pieces of prior art. It is highly probable that it discloses the main invention. Any claims in the '430 patent would need to be carefully crafted to be narrower than the disclosure in the '709 patent. The novelty might reside in very specific structural details introduced in the final continuation application, for instance, the configuration shown in the "fifteenth embodiment" (FIG. 43-45) where the kickstand is a detachable two-piece type and its projection partially overlaps with the rotating device.

6. Chinese Utility Model CN 222,266,097 U

• Full Citation: CN 222,266,097 U
• Priority Date: 2024-02-08 (based on priority claim from CN202420292101.XU)
• Brief Description: As a Chinese utility model from the same applicant, this document likely protects a specific functional or structural arrangement of the puzzle platform. Utility models often have a lower threshold for inventiveness and focus on practical applications. This reference would likely disclose a commercially viable embodiment of the puzzle platform.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference could anticipate claims that read on the specific embodiment disclosed in the Chinese utility model. Its status as prior art would depend on its publication date relative to the effective filing date of the '430 patent's claims. If it was published before the filing of the '430 patent and discloses the same subject matter, it could anticipate claims under § 102. Given the close priority date, it's a very relevant reference for any claims added in the final application.

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Summary of § 102 Anticipation:

The primary challenge to the novelty of the claims in US 12,491,430 comes from its own extensive family of prior patents and applications. The core concept of a puzzle board with drawers, a kickstand, and a rotating device is likely well-established within this family.

Therefore, anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102 would be a significant issue for any broad claims in the '430 patent. The patentability of its claims hinges on the presence of narrow, specific limitations that were not disclosed in the priority documents. Examples of such limitations, based on the detailed description, could include:

• The specific geometric relationship between the kickstand and the rotating device when projected onto the plane of the puzzle board (e.g., non-overlapping, one within the other, or partially overlapping).
• Structural details of the kickstand, such as being formed from "metal wires."
• The kickstand being designed to open "through the hollow area of the rotating device."
• The kickstand being a detachable, multi-piece assembly as shown in the fifteenth embodiment.

A claim-by-claim analysis would be required to definitively determine which, if any, are anticipated by these prior art references. However, it is clear that the patent family itself provides a dense landscape of prior art that narrows the scope of patentable subject matter for this continuation patent.

Analysis of Obviousness for US Patent 12,491,430 under 35 U.S.C. § 103

Date of Analysis: May 13, 2026

Patent under Review: US Patent 12,491,430 B2 (henceforth '430 patent)

Invention: A puzzle platform comprising a puzzle board with a puzzle plate and at least one drawer, a kickstand to support the board at an incline, and a separate rotating device to allow the board to be rotated when not supported by the kickstand.

I. Understanding the '430 Patent Claims

The core of the '430 patent, as detailed in its abstract and claims, is a puzzle platform with two distinct operational modes.

1. Tilted Mode: A kickstand supports the puzzle board, inclining the puzzle plate and drawers for ergonomic use. In this mode, the rotating device is in a "non-working state."
2. Rotating Mode: The kickstand is in a "non-working state" (e.g., closed), and the puzzle board can be rotated on a flat surface via a rotating device, such as a Lazy Susan.

The claims also describe various configurations, such as the spatial relationship between the kickstand and the rotating device, including embodiments where their projections on the puzzle plate's plane do not overlap and others where the kickstand is located within a hollow area of the rotating device.

II. Prior Art Landscape

The field of puzzle accessories is crowded with products that aim to enhance the user experience by providing dedicated surfaces, sorting capabilities, and ergonomic adjustments. A review of the prior art available before the earliest priority date of the '430 patent (September 26, 2021) reveals that puzzle boards incorporating features such as drawers, tilting mechanisms, and rotating bases were well-known.

Publicly available information, including product listings on retail websites and video reviews, constitutes valid prior art. Numerous commercially available products combine these functionalities. For example, products described as "2-in-1 Tilting and Rotating Puzzle Board" with drawers are readily found. These products often feature a Lazy Susan for rotation and a separate mechanism for tilting.

III. Obviousness Analysis

Under 35 U.S.C. § 103, an invention is unpatentable if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art. The '430 patent's claims appear vulnerable to an obviousness rejection based on a combination of existing prior art elements.

Combination of Prior Art:

A person of ordinary skill in the art (POSITA), such as a puzzle accessory designer or an avid puzzler, would be motivated to combine elements from known puzzle boards to create the apparatus claimed in the '430 patent. The primary motivation would be to improve user convenience and ergonomics, addressing the known challenges of working on large puzzles as described in the "Background of the Present Invention" section of the '430 patent itself.

Argument for Motivation to Combine:

1. Reference A: Puzzle Board with Drawers and a Rotating Device (e.g., a Lazy Susan). Products like the "Jumbl 1500-Piece Puzzle Board with Drawers - Lazy Susan and Cover" were commercially available. These products teach the utility of a rotating base for accessing all parts of a large puzzle without the user having to move, combined with drawers for sorting pieces.

2. Reference B: Tilting Puzzle Board or Easel. The concept of a tilting surface for artwork, drafting, and puzzles is long-established. Products specifically marketed as "Tilting Puzzle Table" or boards with an "Adjustable Tilting" feature were also common. These address the ergonomic problem of hunching over a flat table, a problem explicitly mentioned in product reviews and descriptions.

A POSITA, aware of the distinct advantages of both rotating boards (Reference A) and tilting boards (Reference B), would find it obvious to combine these features to create a single, more versatile product. The goal would be to provide the user with the option of either rotating the puzzle on a flat surface or tilting it for comfortable, prolonged use. This combination directly addresses the market demand for more ergonomic and convenient puzzle accessories. Products explicitly marketed as "2-in-1 Rotating Tilted Jigsaw Puzzle Board" demonstrate that this combination was not only conceivable but was actively being produced and sold.

Mapping Claims to Prior Art Combination:

• Puzzle board with puzzle plate and drawers: This is explicitly taught by Reference A and is a common feature in many puzzle boards.
• Rotating device: Taught by Reference A, typically a Lazy Susan mechanism.
• Kickstand (or tilting mechanism): Taught by Reference B. While the '430 patent uses the term "kickstand," the function is identical to the tilting stands and easels found in the prior art. These mechanisms, by their nature, are in a "non-working state" when the board is laid flat for rotation.

The specific arrangement where the kickstand and rotating device are "spaced apart" as claimed in the '430 patent is a natural and necessary consequence of combining these two known elements. To allow for both tilting and rotation, the mechanisms for each function must be designed so as not to interfere with one another. A designer would intuitively place a kickstand or easel support in a location that allows the Lazy Susan to function when the board is flat, and vice-versa. The claim language describing one feature being in a "non-working state" while the other is in use is merely a description of the operation of this obvious combination.

IV. Conclusion

The claims of US Patent 12,491,430 appear to be obvious under 35 U.S.C. § 103. The invention combines known elements from the prior art—a rotating puzzle board with drawers and a tilting mechanism—in a predictable manner. A person of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine these elements to create a more ergonomic and versatile puzzle platform. The resulting combination would render the claims of the '430 patent obvious, as the claimed features and their operation are directly taught or suggested by the prior art. Numerous commercially available products that predate the patent's priority date embody this very combination of features.

As a senior US patent analyst, I have reviewed the information for US Patent 12491430. Below is a detailed analysis based on the available data as of today's date, May 13, 2026.

Patent Information

• Patent Number: 12491430
• Title: Puzzle platform
• Inventor: Xiaoling CHE
• Application Number: US19/011,676
• Filing Date: January 7, 2025
• Issue Date: December 9, 2025
• Current Assignee: Individual
• Legal Status: Active

Patent Term

• Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) / Patent Term Extensions (PTE):

  • Based on the provided information, there is no mention of any Patent Term Adjustments or Extensions. The patent's timeline from filing to issuance is relatively short, which typically results in minimal to no PTA. A detailed review of the file wrapper in the USPTO's Patent Center would be required to confirm the absence of any PTA calculations.

• Projected Expiration Date:

  • The projected expiration date for a US patent is typically 20 years from the earliest effective filing date. This patent claims priority to several earlier applications, with the earliest priority date being September 26, 2021 (from Chinese applications 2021111315541 and 2021223348151, via US application 17/505,587).
  • Therefore, the anticipated expiration date is October 19, 2041, which is 20 years from the earliest US priority date of October 19, 2021, claimed by this patent family. This date does not account for any potential PTA, which appears to be zero based on available data, or any future disclaimers.

Continuity and Family Information

This patent is part of a large family of applications and has a complex priority claim history.

• Continuation Applications:

  • The present application (US19/011,676 which issued as US12491430) is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/734,521, filed on June 5, 2024.

• Relationship to Other Applications:

  • This patent is a continuation-in-part of several earlier applications, creating a chain of priority. The key parent applications include:
    • U.S. Ser. No. 18/530,402, filed Dec. 6, 2023
    • U.S. Ser. No. 18/541,685, filed Dec. 15, 2023
    • U.S. Ser. No. 18/235,896, filed Aug. 21, 2023
    • U.S. Ser. No. 17/829,359, filed Jun. 1, 2022
    • U.S. Ser. No. 18/235,416, filed Aug. 18, 2023
    • U.S. Ser. No. 17/505,587, filed Oct. 19, 2021

• Divisional Applications:

  • There is no information in the provided text to indicate that this patent is a divisional application or that any divisional applications have been filed claiming priority to it.

• Related Family Members (Priority Claims):

  • This patent claims priority to a number of U.S. and Chinese applications. The full list of applications from which priority is claimed is extensive and demonstrates a broad strategy for protecting the intellectual property. The earliest priority date is from two Chinese patent applications filed on September 26, 2021. Other notable priority claims include:
    • CN202420292101.XU, filed Feb. 8, 2024
    • Several other US applications filed between 2021 and 2025.

This detailed history of continuation and continuation-in-part applications indicates an ongoing development and refinement of the invention, with new features and embodiments being added over time, all while maintaining the benefit of the earliest filing dates for the originally disclosed subject matter.

Defensive Disclosure: Puzzle Platform and Multi-Modal Support Systems

Publication Date: April 26, 2026
Reference Patent: US 12491430 B2 ("Puzzle platform")

This document establishes prior art for a series of inventions, enhancements, and novel applications derived from the core principles disclosed in US patent 12491430. The following disclosures are intended to be placed in the public domain to preclude patenting of these concepts by others, rendering them obvious to a person skilled in the art. The core concept involves a platform with two distinct operational modes: a rotatable, flat mode facilitated by a rotating device, and a tilted, stable mode facilitated by a deployable kickstand.

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Claim 1 Derivatives: Dual-Mode Support and Rotation Mechanism

The core claim of US 12491430 describes a puzzle platform with a puzzle board, a kickstand for tilted support, and a separate rotating device for 360-degree rotation on a flat plane. The two support mechanisms are spatially distinct and operate in mutually exclusive modes.

1. Material & Component Substitution

• Derivative 1.1: Carbon Fiber Composite with Integrated Hinge

  • Enabling Description: The puzzle board (1) and kickstand (3) are fabricated from a single, continuous layup of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). The kickstand is not a separate component but is formed by a region of flexible, living hinge-like composite material integrated directly into the board's structure. The rotating device (5) is a high-precision, sealed bearing assembly made of titanium nitride-coated stainless steel for minimal friction and wear, press-fit into a machined CFRP housing. This construction reduces weight by over 60% compared to the wood/metal original, enabling larger and more portable platforms. The living hinge has a predetermined memory shape, allowing it to snap into open and closed positions without additional locking mechanisms.

  • classDiagram
    PuzzlePlatform <|-- CarbonFiberVariant
    CarbonFiberVariant : +CFRP_Board
    CarbonFiberVariant : +Integrated_LivingHinge_Kickstand
    CarbonFiberVariant : +TitaniumNitride_Bearing_Rotator
    CarbonFiberVariant: setMode('tilted')
    CarbonFiberVariant: setMode('rotating')
    note for CarbonFiberVariant "Single-piece construction reduces failure points."
    

• Derivative 1.2: Shape-Memory Alloy (Nitinol) Actuated Kickstand

  • Enabling Description: The kickstand (3) is constructed from Nitinol wire. A low-voltage current is applied via embedded contacts on the puzzle board (1). The current induces a phase transition in the Nitinol, causing it to change from its malleable martensite phase to its rigid austenite phase, snapping into a pre-set "open" shape to support the board. When the current is removed, the kickstand cools and can be manually returned to its flat, "closed" position. This allows for automated, button-activated deployment of the tilted mode. The rotating device (5) remains a passive lazy-susan style bearing.

  • sequenceDiagram
        participant User
        participant PuzzlePlatform
        participant NitinolKickstand
        User->>PuzzlePlatform: pressDeployButton()
        PuzzlePlatform->>NitinolKickstand: applyVoltage()
        activate NitinolKickstand
        NitinolKickstand-->>NitinolKickstand: Phase transition (Martensite to Austenite)
        NitinolKickstand-->>PuzzlePlatform: Kickstand Deployed
        deactivate NitinolKickstand
        PuzzlePlatform-->>User: Tilted mode engaged
    

2. Operational Parameter Expansion

• Derivative 1.3: Nanofabrication Assembly Stage

  • Enabling Description: A miniaturized version of the platform, scaled down to the millimeter range, is designed for use under a microscope for assembling micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) or other nanoscale components. The "puzzle board" is a silicon wafer with etched alignment markers. The kickstand provides a fixed 30-degree tilt for optimal viewing with an electron microscope. The rotating device allows for precise, 360-degree orientation of the wafer. Both mechanisms are controlled by piezoelectric actuators for nanometer-level precision in movement and positioning. The entire assembly operates in a vacuum chamber.

  • graph TD
        A[Microscope View] --> B{Nanofabrication Stage};
        B --> C[Silicon Wafer Holder];
        B --> D[Piezo-Actuated Tilter];
        B --> E[Piezo-Actuated Rotator];
        C -- holds --> F((MEMS Component));
        D -- action --> C;
        E -- action --> C;
    

• Derivative 1.4: Industrial-Scale Assembly Platform for Turbine Blades

  • Enabling Description: A large-scale version, with a platform diameter of 5 meters, is used for the final assembly and inspection of large industrial components like turbine blades. The platform is constructed from welded structural steel. The "kickstand" is a heavy-duty hydraulic ram that can tilt the entire platform up to 45 degrees for ergonomic access and inspection by technicians. The rotating device is a high-capacity slewing ring bearing driven by a geared electric motor, capable of rotating loads up to 10,000 kg. This allows a single technician to inspect all sides of a large, heavy component without needing an overhead crane for repositioning.

  • stateDiagram-v2
        [*] --> Flat_Rotating
        Flat_Rotating --> Tilting: Engage Hydraulic Ram
        Tilting --> Tilted_Static: Lock Ram at Angle
        Tilted_Static --> Tilting: Disengage Lock
        Tilting --> Flat_Rotating: Retract Hydraulic Ram
        note right of Flat_Rotating: Motorized rotation for heavy components
        note left of Tilted_Static: Ergonomic access for inspection/assembly
    

3. Cross-Domain Application

• Derivative 1.5: Aerospace In-Flight Maintenance Tray

  • Enabling Description: A maintenance tray for astronauts on the International Space Station. The platform base is magnetized to securely attach to interior walls. The platform surface is covered with a hook-and-loop fabric to secure tools and components in zero-gravity. The kickstand allows the tray to be tilted towards the astronaut for better visibility and access while performing repairs in a fixed position. The rotating device allows the entire tray to be spun to present different tools or components without the astronaut having to change their own stabilized position. All materials are aerospace-grade, low-outgassing polymers and anodized aluminum.

  • flowchart LR
        subgraph ISS_Module_Wall
            A[Magnetic Base]
        end
        A --> B{Dual-Mode Tray};
        B --> C[Rotating Mode];
        B --> D[Tilted Mode];
        C --> E[360° Tool Access];
        D --> F[Ergonomic Component View];
        E & F --> G((Astronaut));
    

• Derivative 1.6: AgTech Soil/Plant Analysis Field Platform

  • Enabling Description: A portable field platform for agricultural scientists. The platform is mounted on a tripod. The top surface has indentations for holding petri dishes, soil samples, and analysis equipment. The rotating device allows a scientist to easily turn the platform to access different samples or equipment without moving around the tripod, which may be on uneven ground. The kickstand mechanism tilts the entire platform, angling it for optimal lighting for sample photography or to prevent glare on instrument screens.

  • erDiagram
        TRIPOD ||--o{ PLATFORM : mounts
        PLATFORM {
            string surface_type "Indented for samples"
            bool has_rotator
            bool has_tilter
        }
        PLATFORM ||--|{ SAMPLE : holds
        SAMPLE {
            string type "Soil, Petri Dish"
        }
    

• Derivative 1.7: Consumer Electronics Repair & Assembly Workbench

  • Enabling Description: An anti-static (ESD-safe) workbench surface for repairing smartphones, laptops, and other small electronics. The surface has a grid of small magnetic zones to hold screws and tiny components. The rotation feature allows a technician to work on all sides of a device's logic board without repositioning the board itself, reducing the risk of damage. The tilt feature raises the work surface to an ergonomic angle, reducing neck and back strain during long, detailed soldering or assembly tasks.

  • graph TD
        subgraph Workbench
            A[ESD-Safe Surface] -- contains --> B(Magnetic Screw Zones);
            C{Rotation Bearing};
            D{Tilt Kickstand};
            A -- mounts on --> C;
            A -- supported by --> D;
        end
        E((Technician)) -- interacts with --> A;
        C -- enables --> F[Solder North Side];
        C -- enables --> G[Solder South Side];
        D -- enables --> H[Ergonomic Viewing Angle];
    

4. Integration with Emerging Tech

• Derivative 1.8: AI-Guided Assembly with IoT Monitoring

  • Enabling Description: The puzzle board is replaced with a high-resolution touchscreen display. An overhead camera and computer vision system (running a convolutional neural network) identify all puzzle pieces. The system projects a light onto the puzzle area showing the suggested placement for the next piece. The platform is equipped with IoT sensors (an accelerometer and a gyro) that track its state (flat, tilted, angle of rotation). This data is logged to a cloud server, allowing users to track their progress, time spent in different orientations, and even receive AI-generated tips on assembly strategy. The AI can suggest switching to tilted mode for better ergonomics after a certain duration.

  • sequenceDiagram
        participant Camera
        participant AI_Processor
        participant IoT_Sensors
        participant Cloud
        Camera->>AI_Processor: Capture piece layout
        AI_Processor->>AI_Processor: Identify next piece & location
        AI_Processor->>PuzzlePlatform: Project light on location
        loop Real-time Monitoring
            IoT_Sensors->>Cloud: Send platform state (tilt, rotation)
        end
        Cloud->>AI_Processor: Provide user analytics
        AI_Processor->>PuzzlePlatform: Suggest mode change (e.g., 'tilt for ergonomics')
    

• Derivative 1.9: Blockchain-Verified Collectible Puzzle Platform

  • Enabling Description: For high-value, limited-edition puzzles, the platform contains an embedded NFC chip. This chip stores a non-fungible token (NFT) on a blockchain, which verifies the authenticity and edition number of the puzzle board. The platform's usage is also tracked and written to the blockchain as metadata—for example, the timestamp of the first and last piece placed, and the total rotation count. This creates a verifiable provenance for the puzzle, proving it has been solved and handled, which can add to its value as a collectible.

  • flowchart TD
        A[Puzzle Platform] -- contains --> B(NFC Chip);
        B -- stores --> C[NFT on Blockchain];
        C -- verifies --> D[Authenticity & Edition #];
        A -- usage --> E{Usage Data};
        E -- (timestamp, rotation_count) --> F[Write to Blockchain Metadata];
        F -- creates --> G[Verifiable Provenance];
    

5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

• Derivative 1.10: Safe-Fail Frictional Clutch Rotator
  • Enabling Description: The rotating device (5) is designed with a frictional clutch mechanism. The clutch has a pre-set torque limit. If the platform is overloaded (e.g., a heavy object is dropped on it) or if the rotation is obstructed, the clutch will slip before the bearing or the board structure is damaged. This provides a safe failure mode. In a low-power version, the kickstand has a "limp mode" where it can only be deployed to a lower angle (e.g., 10 degrees instead of 30) if a sensor detects insufficient structural integrity or power for a fully deployed state.

  • stateDiagram-v2
        state "Normal Operation" as Normal {
            [*] --> Rotating
            Rotating --> Rotating: AppliedTorque < TorqueLimit
            Rotating --> Slipping: AppliedTorque >= TorqueLimit
            Slipping --> Rotating: AppliedTorque < TorqueLimit
        }
        state "Failure Mode" as Failure {
            Slipping: Clutch disengaged, preventing damage.
        }
        Normal --> Failure
        Failure --> Normal
    

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Combination Prior Art Scenarios

• Scenario 1: VESA Mount Integration

  • Description: The puzzle platform incorporates the open VESA Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI) standard on its underside. The rotating device (5) is attached via a VESA 100x100 pattern. This allows the entire puzzle platform to be mounted on any standard monitor arm, wall mount, or stand. A user could mount the platform on an articulated arm, combining the platform's native tilt and rotate functions with the arm's height, depth, and pan adjustments for ultimate ergonomic positioning. This combines the invention of US 12491430 with the widespread, open VESA standard.

• Scenario 2: MQTT Protocol for Smart Platform Communication

  • Description: An IoT-enabled version of the puzzle platform (as in Derivative 1.8) uses the open, lightweight MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol to communicate its state. The platform acts as an MQTT client, publishing its tilt angle, rotation position, and usage statistics to a central MQTT broker. Any authorized subscriber (a smartphone app, a home automation system) can receive this data. This enables integration with other smart home devices; for example, "when the puzzle enters tilted mode, brighten the overhead smart light." This combines the platform's mechanics with a standard, open IoT communication protocol.

• Scenario 3: WebXR Integration for Augmented Reality Puzzles

  • Description: The platform's dimensions and the real-time position of its kickstand and rotating base are exposed via a Web Bluetooth API. A web application using the open WebXR standard can access this data. A user wearing AR glasses can see a physical puzzle on the board augmented with digital information. For example, if a piece is missing, the WebXR application can overlay a digital ghost of the piece in its correct location. As the user rotates the physical board, the AR overlay remains perfectly synchronized because its position is being fed in real-time by the platform's sensors, combining the physical invention with open web standards for augmented reality.