Charging Cable Reel Locking Structure for Length Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging cables require manual winding and lack a mechanism to maintain the extended length without automatic retraction, leading to inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A rotatably clamped storage and charging integrated device with a locking mechanism that includes a first PCB conductive board, a locking piece, a toggle piece, a winding reel, and a second PCB conductive board, allowing the charging cable to be pulled out to a desired length and then locked in place without automatic retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a storage charging cable with automatic retraction is used, then the cable can be automatically retracted into the housing, but the cable will be immediately retracted without a structure to block retention, requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic locking and unlocking mechanisms that activate based on cable movement state. The locking piece can rotate between locked and unlocked positions, and the toggle piece transforms between stable states to engage or disengage the locking mechanism, providing automatic retention without continuous power or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock the cable when pulled to desired length and automatically unlock for retraction, without requiring user intervention. The spring piece and toggle piece work together to detect cable extension state and autonomously activate the appropriate locking or unlocking action
2Reliability
If a rotatably clamped locking mechanism is implemented, then the cable can be retained at desired length, but the structure becomes more complex with multiple rotating components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking piece is rotatably connected to the housing and can rotate within the housing space. The toggle piece is nested within the locking mechanism, with its protrusion fitting into grooves on the locking piece. The spring piece is contained within the housing and connects to the toggle piece, creating a compact nested arrangement that achieves reliable locking without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the locking piece for engagement, the toggle piece for state transformation, and the spring piece for providing restoring force. Each component has a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliability
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
Enables the charging cable to be securely maintained at the desired length without automatic retraction, enhancing user convenience and practicality.
Implementation Method 1
a spring sheet, which is clamped and fixed on an inner edge of the upper shell, and the spring sheet abuts against the toggle piece
Implementation Method 2
a mainspring, which is provided inside the winding reel; one end of the mainspring is clamped to the upper shell, and the other end thereof is clamped to the winding reel
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and charging integrated device is provided, which includes an upper shell and a lower shell that are interlocked, a first PCB conductive board, a locking piece, a toggle piece, and a winding reel. The locking piece and the toggle piece are both provided inside the upper shell and can rotate relative to the upper shell. The toggle piece can toggle the locking piece to rotate, and after rotating at a fixed angle, the locking piece is clamped to the toggle piece. During a rotation process of the winding reel, the toggle piece can be toggled to rotate. This storage and charging integrated device added an additional clamp disk to the basic structure of the existing storage and charging device. The clamp disks can be linked to each other, and the clamp disk can also be linked to a charging cable winding reel.