Motor Vehicle Charge Cord Retention Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charge cords in motor vehicles often become entangled with vehicle components, causing distractions and interfering with the operation of motor vehicle systems due to their oversized nature.
Innovation Solution
A retention device comprising a housing, retainer, and actuator with biasing elements and a cam follower mechanism that allows the retainer to pivot between stowed and use positions, securely managing the charge cord and preventing entanglement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a charge cord is used to power electronic devices in a motor vehicle, then the electronic device can be maintained at proper charge, but the charge cord becomes oversized and entangled with vehicle components causing distractions and interfering with operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charge cord from the general vehicle space by providing a dedicated retention device. The retention device includes a retainer that can hold the charge cord in a specific location, separating it from moving components like the gearshift knob and brake lever, thus preventing entanglement while maintaining charging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The retention device acts as an intermediary between the charge cord and the vehicle interior. It provides a structured interface that manages the charge cord's position and prevents direct interaction between the cord and vehicle controls, eliminating the harmful entanglement effect
2Ease of operation
If the charge cord is left loose in the vehicle, then it is easily accessible for charging, but it becomes entangled with the gearshift knob, brake lever or other objects causing distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The retention device is pre-positioned in the vehicle interior at a location that is both accessible and away from moving components. The retainer is designed to automatically hold the charge cord in place when inserted, preliminarily preventing entanglement before it can occur during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 2:
The retention device applies preliminary anti-action by physically constraining the charge cord in a fixed position before any entanglement can occur. The retainer structure prevents the cord from reaching moving components like the gearshift knob and brake lever, countering the potential harmful effect before it manifests
3Reliability
If the charge cord is secured in a fixed position, then entanglement is prevented, but the cord may not be easily accessible when needed for charging
Solution Approach 1:
The retention device incorporates dynamic elements including a movable retainer that can be displaced between a stowed position and a use position. The actuator allows the user to dynamically adjust the retainer's position, enabling easy access to the charge cord when needed while maintaining secure retention during vehicle operation
4Ease of operation
If a retention device with movable retainer is used, then the charge cord can be securely retained and easily accessed, but the device complexity increases with additional components like actuator and biasing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The retention device incorporates biasing elements that automatically return the retainer to its stowed position after use. The spring mechanism provides self-service by eliminating the need for manual resetting of the retainer, reducing operational complexity despite the additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the housing provides structural support and mounting, the retainer holds the charge cord, the actuator enables position changes, and the biasing element provides automatic resetting. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate components for each function
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 retention device effectively keeps the charge cord organized, reducing distractions and ensuring free operation of motor vehicle systems by maintaining the cord in a designated position, eliminating entanglement risks.
Implementation Method 1
A first biasing element may be provided that biases the retainer toward the stowed position
Implementation Method 2
A second biasing element may be provided that biases the actuator toward the first position
Implementation Method 3
The cam follower may engage and follow the cam surface as the actuator is displaced between the first position and the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A retention device, useful in a method of retaining a charge cord in a motor vehicle, includes a housing, a retainer and an actuator. The retainer includes a pivot connecting the retainer to the housing and is displaceable between a stowed position and a use position. The actuator translates along a guideway in the housing and is displaced from a first position to a second position in order to displace the retainer to the use position.