Accessory Storage Case With Braked Earbud Cable Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective cases for handheld electronic devices often damage headphone/earbud cables due to spring-loaded mechanisms that apply undue pressure, leading to tangling and shortening of the cables during retraction.
Innovation Solution
A protective carrier system with a retractable earphone/earbud system featuring a friction-based braking system and spring-biased spool mechanism that slows down the rotational speed of the spool during cable retraction, along with independent control buttons for each cable, to safely store and manage earphone cables without causing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a spring-loaded mechanism is used to retract the earphone cable, then the cable can be automatically retracted and stored, but the cable is subjected to undue pressure and damage
Solution Approach 1:
A friction-based braking system is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the spring-loaded spool and the cable. This braking system controls the rotational speed of the spool during retraction, preventing the cable from being subjected to excessive force while maintaining automatic retraction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the retraction mechanism by changing the operational parameters of the spring-loaded system. By incorporating a friction-based brake, the rotational speed and force parameters are controlled to prevent cable damage while maintaining automatic retraction. The system transitions from uncontrolled high-speed retraction to controlled gradual retraction.
2Volume of moving object
If a spring-loaded rewinder is used to retract the cable, then the cable can be stored compactly, but the rotating wheel creates drastic uncontrollable speed that damages the cable
Solution Approach 1:
A friction-based braking system serves as an intermediary between the spring-loaded spool and the cable retraction process. This brake mechanism controls the rotational speed of the spool, preventing drastic uncontrollable speeds while maintaining compact cable storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the rotational speed parameter of the spool by introducing friction-based braking. This parameter change transforms the uncontrolled high-speed rotation into controlled gradual rotation, enabling compact storage without cable damage.
3Productivity
If the spring-loaded mechanism rewinds the cable quickly, then retraction is efficient, but the cable is subjected to undue pressure shortening its life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the retraction process by controlling the speed and force parameters through a friction-based braking system. This parameter control maintains retraction efficiency while preventing undue pressure on the cable, thereby extending cable lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-based braking system provides feedback control during cable retraction. The friction force automatically adjusts based on the rotational speed of the spool, creating a self-regulating system that prevents excessive force while maintaining efficient retraction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces the risk of cable damage and tangling, providing a safe and efficient method for retracting and storing earphone cables, while allowing for independent control of each cable's retraction, thus extending their lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
spring-biased spool mechanism that slows down the rotational speed of the spool during cable retraction
Implementation Method 2
friction-based braking system that slows down the rotational speed of the spool during cable retraction
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes a protective housing member configured to mate with a handheld electronic device. The protective housing member includes a charging area formed between a surface of the protective housing member and a surface of an accessory item of the handheld electronic device. The charging area is configured to charge the accessory item of the handheld electronic device. The charging area is powered by at last one power component of the protective housing member or at least one power component of the handheld electronic device. The storage system further includes at least one integrated circuit which is either a component of the handheld electronic device or a component of the protective housing member.