Adjustable Cord Spooling Mechanism for Wearable Communication Accessories
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wired accessories for portable communication devices, such as two-way radios, often have fixed cord lengths, leading to tangling and bulkiness, which are unattractive and inconvenient for users of different heights, and pose challenges in maintaining compact form factors without adding weight or bulk.
Innovation Solution
A user-wearable accessory with a push-to-talk button, microphone, and adjustable electrical cord length, featuring a spooling mechanism that allows users to wind cords to desired lengths, minimizing tangling and accommodating various user heights, while maintaining a lightweight and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wired interconnection cord is used to connect the portable communication device to the accessory, then the device can be worn on or about the user's body, but the fixed cord length causes tangling and bulkiness that is unattractive and inconvenient for users of different heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing an adjustable cord length mechanism that allows the cord to be dynamically modified according to user needs. The cord can be extended or retracted, transforming from a fixed-length constraint to a flexible, adaptable connection that eliminates tangling and bulkiness while accommodating users of different heights and preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the cord length parameter from a fixed value to a variable range. The adjustable mechanism enables the cord length to be changed based on operational requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between cord manageability and bulkiness by optimizing the length parameter for different usage scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If additional features are designed into the portable electronic product, then the user interface can be improved, but the form factor becomes larger and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an accessory that performs multiple functions within a single integrated unit. The adjustable cord mechanism serves both as a connection element and as a length-adjustment feature, while the accessory itself provides both communication functionality and cord management. This multi-functionality improves user interface operation without proportionally increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining the cord management features with the accessory housing. The adjustment mechanism is integrated into the accessory body rather than being a separate component, thereby combining multiple functions (connection, adjustment, and housing) into a unified structure that minimizes additional weight while enhancing user interface capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cord length is increased to accommodate users of different heights, then more users can use the device comfortably, but the excess cord length becomes unattractive and prone to tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing an adjustable cord length system that adapts to different user heights. Instead of providing a fixed long cord that inevitably tangles, the mechanism allows the cord length to be dynamically adjusted to the minimum necessary length for each user, thereby accommodating height variations while eliminating the excess length that causes tangling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the cord length from a fixed parameter to an adjustable parameter. The mechanism enables the length parameter to be optimized for each user's specific needs, providing adaptability for different heights while maintaining the cord length at a level that prevents tangling by eliminating unnecessary excess length.
Data Source
AI summary
A user wearable accessory provides push-to-tall (PTT), microphone and adjustable electrical cord length features in a single device. First and second adjustable electrical cords couple a portable communication device to an earpiece. The accessory is formed of front and back housing portions coupled together to provide a spooling feature therebetween. The spooling feature accommodates the two electrical cords such that a user is able to wrap each cord to provide an overall desired length. Users of different heights can adjust the cord length as desired thereby minimizing tangling of the cords.