Framework 12 Vertical VESA Mount

I was browsing the Framework Community Forums and came across a post about mounting the Framework 12 laptop vertically that caught my interest.

Alternative Solutions

Another member on the forums suggested using a large tablet mount for the laptop. As they pointed it out, it’s “Easily off-and-on-able” but the laptop is quite heavy so I have my doubts on whether a clamping mechanism (as pictured) would be able to hold it without dropping it.

Other suggestions floated were a different tablet mount and a laptop tray. Neither of which are exactly what Jo_Hannes was talking about (I think).

As a Batch 1 preorder customer, I actually had the laptop at the time. So I was able really quickly measure my Framework 12 and design on in CAD.

Iterations

The first model I made was a large monolithic Minimum Viable Product. It had mounting holes for 75×75, 100×100 and 200×200 VESA mounts, the most common sizes for computer monitors. As I didn’t have any dimensions for the USB dock Jo_Hannes wanted to use, I left a large slot with recesses for nuts on either end to accommodate future designs.

After a bit of thinking, I realised that the model was unnecessarily tall because the laptop would be held in fine with just the lower part of the mount. I squished it down to a size that would fit on an A1 Mini (probably the most popular small printer) which has a print volume of 180x180x180mm.

However, after a bit more consideration, I realised that the vertical position of the holes for the VESA also determine where the mount would hinge and rotate from. Ideally, this would be at the center of the laptop. I redesigned the mount in 2 pieces to bring the mounting holes up. The 2 pieces are also designed so that the 4 bolts needed to attach the mount to VESA holes would also hold them together without any extra hardware.

Upon getting some measurements for the USB dock, I finally designed the cable holder for it. I eliminated the need for even more hardware by using a snap fit mechanism for it. It’s a piece that only needs to go in once so doesn’t require a lot of durability. I also got some feedback on the design and added speaker grills and an audio jack hole.

After a long wait, Jo_Hannes finally got their laptop and had the mount printed by their friend. Apparently, the original USB dock I had designed for went missing but they modified the cable holder with a drill and glue to make it work. Other than that: the hinge side of the laptop is slightly thicker than the other side in tablet mode, the tolerances of the pieces were too loose, and the mount was covering the exhaust vent holes.

Took me a while to get back to designing this because of exams, but I finally got around to addressing all these issues in a (fingers crossed) final version.

While I designed this without expecting payment, Jo_Hannes was kind enough to buy me a coffee for it. Thank you!