U-Shaped Connector Support Cover for Charging Cable Extraction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The frequent use of charging cables for electronic devices often results in fraying, breaking, and damage to both the cables and embedded connectors due to their small size and lack of ruggedness, leading to improper insertion and removal techniques that harm both components.

Innovation Solution

A connector support cover with upper and lower grip arms forming a U-shape, providing a larger, easier-to-grip surface for safe insertion and removal of charging cables from electronic devices, reducing the risk of damage by distributing the force over a larger area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a charging cable connector is made small in size, then it can fit into compact electronic devices, but it becomes prone to fraying, breaking, and damage during repeated insertion and removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidconnector durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A support cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the user's hand and the connector. This cover provides a larger gripping surface area, allowing users to apply removal force without directly touching the small connector, thereby preventing damage while maintaining compact connector dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds a dimensional element by introducing the support cover that extends beyond the connector's boundaries. This additional dimensional space provides the necessary gripping surface without increasing the connector's core dimensions, resolving the conflict between small size and durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the connector is made small, then the device can be more compact, but it becomes difficult to grip and remove the cable without damaging the connector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidcable removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support cover serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the user's need for a gripping surface and the connector's small size. It provides an extended surface area for easy gripping and removal operations without requiring the connector itself to be larger

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable assembly is segmented into two functional parts: the small connector for compact integration and the separate support cover for easy handling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the connector remains small while the cover provides ergonomic gripping surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If users pull directly on the cable body to remove it, then the removal action is simple, but both the cable and connector suffer damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable removal simplicityVSAvoidcable and connector damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support cover acts as an intermediary that intercepts the removal force before it reaches the vulnerable connector and cable body. Users grip the cover instead of pulling directly on the cable, maintaining simple removal operations while eliminating damage through force distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support cover provides beforehand protection by being positioned between the user's gripping action and the connector. It cushions and distributes the mechanical stress of removal before it can concentrate on the small connector, preventing fraying and breaking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10826223B2Charging cable extraction device
Publication Date: 2020.11.03 DROST PAUL
  • US10826223B2 patent drawing
  • US10826223B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connection support cover is proposed that fits over the connecting end of the cable. The connection support cover is generally U-shaped and includes an aperture at the bottom of the U to allow for the actual connector portion of the cable to protrude through the cover. The connector support cover provides a larger, easier to grip surface and allows an individual to quickly and easily remove a cable from a device without harming either the cable or the embedded connector within the device.