Arcuate Communication Station Hook for Snag-Free Handset Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication system handsets can get caught on the station when being lifted, leading to potential damage to the hook or undercut, as they require a right-angled movement which can cause snagging and risk of destruction.

Innovation Solution

A communication system station with a handset that uses an arcuate curved hook contour and a rounded outer edge, where the edge is formed by an undercut serving as a suspension and loudspeaker opening, allowing for smooth sliding removal without perpendicular force application, and featuring rounded ends and side roundings for low-friction sliding and precise hanging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handset is lifted along a right-angled movement curve from the station, then the handset can be removed from the hook, but the handset may get caught on the station causing damage to the hook or undercut

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandset removalVSAvoiddamage risk to hook and undercut
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hook is designed with an arcuate curved contour instead of a straight or right-angled shape. This curved geometry guides the handset to move along an arcuate path during lifting, preventing the handset from getting caught on the station and eliminating the risk of damage to the hook or undercut while maintaining ease of removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the undercut is designed solely for suspension, then the hook-up function is achieved, but additional audio functionality is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionality of undercutVSAvoidcomponent structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The undercut is designed to serve dual purposes: it provides the suspension function by engaging with the hook, and simultaneously acts as a loudspeaker opening for audio output. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2493154B1Station of a communication system with handset
Publication Date: 2013.08.21 ABB AG(DE)
  • EP2493154B1 patent drawingFigure 1~11
  • EP2493154B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2493154B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The base/home station (1) comprises a hook (2) arranged at the front side and directed inside an arc-shaped curve contour, such that the handset (8) mounted in rest position is suspended by the hook-shaped edge (10). The rounded outer edge of the handset rolls on the sliding surface at the front side of the station, during removal or suspension of the handset. The edge of handset is formed by an undercut which functions as an opening for suspending an additional speaker of the handset apart from the built-in speaker.