Adjustable Cord Reel With Rotatable Spool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical cord storage devices fail to effectively prevent tangling and provide efficient winding solutions, especially for varying cord lengths and user convenience during transit and non-transit storage.
Innovation Solution
A cord reel with adjustable side walls and a rotatable mechanism, including a 'never-flap' feature for secure cord management, allowing for customizable width adjustment and easy cord wrapping, and a base for secure mounting and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-width cord reel is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying cord lengths and creates tangling issues
Solution Approach 1:
The reel incorporates adjustable side walls that can be moved between multiple positions to dynamically change the reel width. This allows the reel to adapt to different cord lengths and storage requirements, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that responds to varying operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel structure is divided into separable components including movable side walls, a rotatable spool, and adjustable guides. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted or positioned to optimize cord storage and prevent tangling while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If a rotatable spool mechanism is added, then winding efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable spool is designed to be manually operated by the user through simple rotation, allowing the cord to wind and unwind automatically as needed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for motors or complex automated winding systems while maintaining high winding efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool rotation mechanism is integrated with the adjustable side wall structure, combining multiple functions into a unified design. The side walls serve both as structural boundaries and as guides for cord placement, reducing the need for separate components.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable side walls are implemented, then cord organization improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable side walls serve multiple functions: they define the reel boundaries, guide cord placement, prevent tangling, and enable width adjustment for different cord lengths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls are designed with standardized adjustment positions and simple mechanical connection points that allow for easy manufacturing. The adjustment mechanism uses basic geometric parameters and standardized fastening points that can be produced using conventional manufacturing methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A cord reel including a body having two side walls on opposing sides for receiving a cord therebetween, at least one hole within the body extending inward from each of the side walls, and wherein the body is adjustable to increase or decrease a distance between the two end walls.