Connection Cable Rotation Inhibition for Electronic Device Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with connection cables face durability issues due to cable rotation, which can cause stress on the connection terminal and support structures, leading to potential breakage.

Innovation Solution

An attachment with rotation inhibiting projections is integrated into the electronic device's housing, preventing the connection cable from rotating more than a predetermined amount around the accepting connection terminal, thereby reducing stress on the cable and support structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the connection cable is allowed to rotate freely around the accepting connection terminal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the durability deteriorates due to stress on the connection terminal and support structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable rotation freedomVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing rotation inhibition only in specific directions where stress damage occurs, while allowing rotation freedom in other directions. The rotation inhibiting member is positioned to constrain cable rotation at critical angles without completely restricting movement, thus protecting the connection terminal and support structures from stress while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a rotation inhibiting member is added to prevent cable rotation, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the rotation inhibiting member with existing structural elements of the electronic device, such as integrating it into the housing or support structure. This combination approach allows the rotation inhibition function to be achieved without adding separate, independent components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while still providing effective protection against cable rotation damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the attachment is integrated into the housing, then the durability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to difficulty in attachment and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidattachment removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by designing the attachment as a removable component that can be easily attached and detached from the housing. The rotation inhibiting member and attachment are configured with features such as snap-fit connections or threaded interfaces that provide secure integration during use but allow straightforward removal when needed for repair or replacement, thus balancing durability with ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9577390B2Electronic device, attachment, and connection cable

Publication Date: 2017.02.21 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes an accepting connection terminal to which a connection cable can be connected, and a rotation inhibiting member that inhibits the connection cable from rotating an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount around the accepting connection terminal in a state where the connection cable is connected to the accepting connection terminal.