Adjustable Cable Opening Structure for Sensor-Protective Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory devices often restrict the use of cable assemblies due to fixed openings that cannot accommodate varying sizes and shapes, leading to compatibility issues and potential damage to sensitive touch sensors from debris and dirt.
Innovation Solution
The accessory devices feature dynamically adjustable openings using compressible, bendable, or magnetically expandable materials that adapt to different cable assemblies, allowing for expansion and contraction based on the size and shape of the cable, while also protecting sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed opening is used in the accessory device, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying sizes and shapes of cable assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the opening adjustable rather than fixed. The opening can dynamically change its size and shape to accommodate different cable assemblies. This is achieved through mechanisms that allow the opening to expand or contract based on the inserted cable's dimensions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the opening's physical parameters (size, shape) in response to different cable assemblies. The opening's dimensions are not fixed but can be adjusted to match the specific parameters of the inserted cable, enabling compatibility across various cable types while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger opening is provided to accommodate various cables, then cable compatibility improves, but debris and dirt can more easily enter and damage sensitive touch sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the opening size variable rather than constantly large. The opening expands only when a cable is inserted and contracts when the cable is removed, minimizing the exposure of sensitive sensors to debris and dirt while maintaining cable compatibility. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between needing a large opening for compatibility and keeping the opening small for protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the opening is made adjustable to adapt to different cables, then compatibility increases, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the opening adjustment mechanism to automatically respond to cable insertion without requiring external control systems. The opening adjusts itself based on the physical interaction with the inserted cable, eliminating the need for complex sensors, motors, or control circuits that would otherwise increase device complexity while maintaining adjustability.
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 adjustable openings ensure compatibility with a wide range of cable assemblies, minimize debris entry, and maintain sensor protection by adapting to different sizes and shapes, enhancing usability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the material surrounding the opening configured to compress based on contact with the cable assembly
Implementation Method 2
the material surrounding the opening configured to bend based on contact with the cable assembly
Implementation Method 3
the accessory device includes a first set of magnetically expandable materials and a second set of magnetically expandable materials. The first and second sets of magnetically expandable materials are configured to be attracted to one another
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory device includes an opening designed to receive a cable assembly and adjust in size when the cable assembly is received. Prior to receiving the cable assembly, the opening is defined by an initial size and initial area. When the opening receives the cable assembly, the opening expands to a larger size, and larger area, to accept the cable assembly. The opening returns to its initial size and initial area when the cable assembly is removed. An adjustable opening allows for cable assemblies of different shapes and sizes. By utilizing an adjustable opening, the wall of the accessory device through which the opening is formed may be relatively thick while the opening is its initial size, but may become relatively thin during instances when the cable assembly is in the opening.