Elastic Band Charging Cable with Woven Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging cable devices do not incorporate a stretchable and wearable design that allows for both hair tie functionality and simultaneous charging of electronic devices, lacking conductors woven into an elastic band for adjustable length and multiple port compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A charging cable device featuring an elastic band with woven conductors that can stretch and shorten, coupled with two charge plugs allowing for a closed loop formation and compatibility with various electronic devices' ports, enabling both hair tie functionality and charging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charging cable is made rigid to ensure stable electrical connection, then connection reliability is improved, but flexibility and wearability as a hair tie deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated device: a charging cable and a hair tie. The electrical conductors are embedded within an elastic band, creating a unified structure that simultaneously provides electrical connection and hair-tying functionality. This integration resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to be both flexible (like a hair tie) and electrically functional (like a charging cable).
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by combining charging capabilities with hair accessory functionality. The elastic band serves dual purposes: as a structural element for the charging cable and as a functional hair tie. The charge plugs provide universal compatibility with various electronic devices while the elastic band provides universal hair-tying capability, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the charging cable length is fixed to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but adjustability for different users and devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cable length adjustable rather than fixed. The elastic band allows the charging cable to dynamically change its effective length based on user needs. Users can adjust the length by folding, coiling, or extending the elastic band, providing adaptability for different users and devices while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through the use of a continuous elastic material.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charge plugs with different ports are integrated to increase compatibility, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple charge plugs with different port types (USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, Micro USB) to achieve universal compatibility with various electronic devices. Each plug head contains different port configurations, allowing the single elastic band device to charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics. This multi-functionality approach increases versatility while keeping the overall structure relatively simple by using modular plug attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable is segmented into modular components: the elastic band and multiple interchangeable charge plugs. This segmentation allows users to use only the plug type needed for a specific device, reducing the perceived complexity. Each plug can be independently attached or detached, and the conductors are separately routed to each plug, making the internal structure more manageable despite the multiple port options.
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 solution provides a versatile, adjustable, and aesthetically appealing charging solution that can stretch around hair like a hair tie while facilitating the charging of multiple electronic devices through multiple port configurations, enhancing user convenience and compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic band that is comprised of a resiliently stretchable material for stretching around a user's hair
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of conductors is each woven into the elastic band to elongate and shorten when the elastic band is stretched and released
Data Source
AI summary
A combination charging cable and hair tie assembly includes an elastic band that is comprised of a resiliently stretchable material for stretching around a user's hair in the manner of a hair tie. A plurality of conductors is each of the conductors is woven into the elastic band to elongate and shorten when the elastic band is stretched and released. A first charge plug is coupled to the elastic band to engage a charge port on an electronic device. A second charge plug is coupled to the elastic band and the second charge plug is matable to the first charge plug such that the elastic band forms a closed loop to serve as a hair tie. Additionally, the second charge plug can engage a charge port on an electronic device.