Foldable Travel Phone Stand with Dual Orientation and Charging Access
Osama Samman – Spring 2026
Summary
This project aims to design and 3D print a compact foldable phone stand that supports both portrait and landscape orientation while allowing charging during use. The stand will be fabricated using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF/FDM) with PLA filament.
Background
Phone stands are widely used for watching videos, video calls, reading, and charging on desks or while traveling. However, most existing stands have clear limitations — they are bulky, limited to one viewing angle, or block the charging port when the phone is seated. Travel-friendly options often sacrifice stability, while sturdier desk stands are too large to carry.
Additive manufacturing offers a clear advantage here: fast prototyping, easy geometry changes, and the ability to integrate multiple functions into a single compact assembly. This project will use FDM to explore how a foldable stand can be designed for both practical use and manufacturability.
Goals
1- Hold the phone in both portrait and landscape orientation
2- Allow a charging cable to pass through while the phone is in the stand
3- Fold flat for easy transport and storage
4- Be stable at the chosen viewing angle
5- Be fully fabricated via FDM with PLA
Approach
The project starts with a CAD model developed in SolidWorks. The design focuses on portability, compact folded size, and sufficient base stability when open. Initial prototypes will be printed and evaluated for dimensional accuracy, hinge performance, stability, and charging access. Design iterations will address issues such as hinge tightness, weak support angles, or cable interference.
Potential risks include limited strength at hinge regions, tolerance problems in moving features, and print defects from orientation and support strategy. These will be addressed through multiple prototype revisions and print-setting adjustments.
Future Plans
If successful, the next steps will include refining the design for durability and manufacturing efficiency, evaluating PETG as an alternative material for better long-term performance, and testing with different phone sizes. Further extensions could include cable management, passive sound amplification, or support for tablets.