Cable Retractor Layout for Rotatable Docking Station Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for mounting electronic devices in shared spaces, such as conference rooms, often require users to physically move the device or switch seats, causing disruption and risking cable disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable docking station with a swivel mount assembly and integrated cable retractors, allowing electronic devices to be easily rotated between users while keeping cables organized and secure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic device is physically moved along the table top from one user to another, then each user can access the device, but the cables connected to the electronic device may be disconnected and the flow of the conference is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the electronic device from its cable connections by introducing a docking station as an intermediary. The device connects to the docking station via a short cable, while the docking station handles the main cable connections to the table, allowing the device to be rotated without moving the cable connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station acts as an intermediary between the electronic device and the cable connections. It provides a stable mounting point and cable management system that decouples the device position from the cable connection location, enabling rotation without disconnection.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic device is physically moved along the table top from one user to another, then each user can access the device, but the flow of the conference is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic rotation capability through the swivel mount, allowing the device to be quickly reoriented between users without physical relocation. This dynamic adjustment is much faster and less disruptive than moving the entire device along the table.
3Ease of operation
If cable retractors are integrated into the docking station, then cables can be dispensed and withdrawn out of sight, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retractor mechanism is integrated into the docking station structure, combining cable storage, dispensing, and retraction functions within the existing docking station housing. This merging approach provides automated cable management while minimizing additional structural complexity.
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 rotatable docking station minimizes disruption during device access, reduces the risk of cable disconnection, and provides convenient power and data connections for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
a spring having a coiled part wound around the at least one spring spool, and having a segment that extends away from the coiled part and is coupled to the slideable block
Implementation Method 2
a first pulley coupled to the slideable block and rotatable about a first axis that moves together with the slidable block; and a second pulley disposed at the second frame end and rotatable about a fixed second axis
Data Source
AI summary
A cable retractor includes a frame having first and second frame ends, opposing frame walls between the frame ends, and a track extending along one of the frame walls. A block slides along the track. A single first pulley is coupled to the block, is rotatable about a first axis that moves together with the block, is the sole pulley that is rotatable about the first axis, and has only a single groove. A spring spool is mounted at the first frame end. A spring has a coiled part wound around the spring spool and has a segment that extends away from the coiled part and is coupled to the block. A single second pulley is disposed at the second frame end, is rotatable about a fixed second axis, is the sole pulley that is rotatable about the second axis, and has only a single groove.