Cable Retractor Pulley Layout for Rotatable Docking Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for mounting electronic devices in shared spaces, such as conference rooms, often disrupt meetings when users need to access the devices, and they can cause cable disconnections during repositioning, while also lacking efficient cable management systems.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable docking station with a swivel mount assembly and integrated cable retractors that allow for seamless device rotation and cable management, minimizing disruption and preventing cable disconnections, featuring a cylindrical insertable part, a securing ring, and a cable retraction mechanism with pulleys and springs.
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 accessibility for different users is improved, but cable disconnection risk increases and meeting disruption worsens
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 provides fixed cable connections to the table, eliminating the need to move the entire device-cable assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station serves as an intermediary between the electronic device and the table surface. It provides a stable mounting point and cable management system, allowing the device to be positioned optimally without risking cable disconnection during user transitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device is disposed atop a surface for shared access, then multi-user accessibility is improved, but meeting disruption increases when users need to switch seats
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic user access without moving the device. The rotatable docking station allows the device to be oriented toward different users, and the cable management system accommodates device repositioning, ensuring continuous operation during user transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station provides self-contained cable management and power delivery, allowing users to access the device from different positions without requiring cable handling or device relocation by the users themselves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cables are provided for additional power and data connections in a conference room, then connectivity versatility is improved, but cable organization and management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station provides multiple connectivity options (power, data, audio/video) through a single integrated unit. This consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate cable connections into one manageable interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts cable management functionality from the individual device setup and relocates it to the docking station mounted on the table. This separates the complexity of cable routing and management from the portable device, centralizing it in a fixed location.
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 smooth device rotation and cable management, keeping cables organized and preventing disconnections, thus reducing meeting disruptions and enhancing usability in shared environments.
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
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 and is rotatable about a first axis that moves together with the block, the first pulley being the sole pulley that is rotatable about the first axis. 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 and is rotatable about a fixed second axis, the second pulley being the sole pulley that is rotatable about the second axis.