Cord Spool with Flexible Straps for Tangling Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a more convenient and effective means to manage cords of various sizes and types, particularly for electronic devices, as existing solutions do not efficiently secure and organize cords during use and storage.
Innovation Solution
The development of a cord spool with a cylindrical primary element, flexible straps, and cord end receiving loops allows for easy wrapping and securing of cords, with optional wearable designs and a device receiving sleeve for securing devices during cord management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cords are managed using conventional methods (coiling, tying, or placing in bags), then cords can be stored, but they become disorganized, difficult to access, and prone to tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The cord management system divides the cord into manageable sections by wrapping it around a spool body with defined winding grooves. The spool body acts as a segmented structure that guides the cord into specific paths, preventing random tangling and making retrieval systematic rather than chaotic.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool body serves as an intermediary device between the cord and the user. It provides a structured interface with winding grooves and securing mechanisms that mediate the interaction between the flexible cord and the user's hands, transforming the chaotic act of cord storage into an organized process.
2Ease of operation
If cords are left loose or loosely coiled, then they are easily accessible, but they tangle and create clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The spool body employs curved winding grooves and a generally cylindrical or rounded shape to guide the cord along smooth arcs. This curvature prevents sharp bends and angular folding that cause tangling, allowing the cord to follow natural curves that maintain organization during both storage and retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool body utilizes flexible or semi-rigid material construction that can conform to the cord's natural flexibility while maintaining its structural form. This allows the spool to adapt to different cord sizes and types while consistently enforcing an organized winding pattern through its grooved surface.
3Reliability
If a cord spool with multiple features (straps, loops, receiving sleeves) is designed, then cord security and organization improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple cord management functions into a single integrated spool body structure. The winding grooves, securing straps, cord end loops, and device receiving sleeves are all merged into one cohesive device rather than separate components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive cord management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool body is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs cord winding, securing, end-looping, and device holding functions. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles in the cord management process, eliminating the need for separate tools or devices for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A cord spool may have a generally cylindrical primary element made of flexible material, which may have first and second primary element openings. The primary element may further include a central exterior portion between first and second raised portions. The primary element may further include an interior portion dimensioned and configured to accept a fixture. The cord spool also may have at least one flexible strap securely affixed to and extending through the interior portion of the primary element and extending beyond the first and second openings of the primary element. The strap may have first and second strap ends with first and second fasteners. The strap may be dimensioned and configured to allow the first and second strap ends to be releasably secured to one another, forming a cord securing loop.