Portable EV Cable Reel with Radial Slider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging cables for electric and hybrid vehicles face issues with soiling and overheating due to high power levels during fast charging, as existing solutions either result in the cable dragging on the ground or fail to provide adequate cooling.
Innovation Solution
A portable cable reeling device with a support featuring a flat spiral groove and a cover with a radial opening, allowing the cable to be easily managed and stored, and incorporating a slider for controlled extraction and insertion, which enhances ergonomics and cooling through natural convection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the cable is stored in a closed reel to prevent soiling, then the cable is protected from dirt, but heat dissipation is prevented due to lack of air circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into a first part and a second part that can rotate relative to each other, creating a segmented structure. This segmentation allows the cover to transition between closed (for protection) and open (for ventilation) states, resolving the contradiction between soiling prevention and heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a static closed structure to a dynamic structure where the second part can rotate to change the opening degree. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between protected storage mode and active cooling mode during charging operations.
2Ease of operation
If the cable is allowed to drag on the ground during charging, then ease of operation is improved, but the cable gets dirty and requires manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The cable extraction function is separated from manual handling by implementing an automatic extraction mechanism through the rotatable cover system. When the cover rotates to the open position, the cable is automatically guided out, eliminating the need for users to manually handle and potentially soil the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically deploying and retracting the cable through the mechanical action of rotating the cover, without requiring user intervention that would lead to soiling. The system manages its own cable deployment autonomously.
3Volume of moving object
If the cable is wound tightly in the groove, then storage compactness is improved, but heat accumulation occurs due to restricted air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The cover's ability to rotate dynamically changes the storage configuration from tightly closed (compact but hot) to partially open (less compact but cooler). During charging operations, the cover can be rotated to create ventilation channels while maintaining the cable in the groove, balancing compactness and heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure creates different local conditions: when closed, it provides compact protected storage; when rotated open, it creates localized ventilation channels around the cable in the groove. This local quality change allows heat dissipation without completely compromising storage compactness.
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 device prevents soiling by minimizing cable contact with the ground and facilitates cooling by allowing air circulation, while being ergonomic, lightweight, and easy to store, thus addressing the challenges of soiling and overheating.
Implementation Method 1
the cable (13) is able to cool itself during the charging phases by natural convection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable device for paying out an electric cable comprising a connecting element at each of its ends, particularly a charging cable for an electric or hybrid vehicle. The device comprises a support in which there is cut a groove forming a flat spiral, the groove being able to at least partially accommodate the cable. It also comprises a cover which, in collaboration with the support, encloses the part of the cable that is housed in the groove. The cover comprises an opening in which a slider is able to move in a direction radial to the spiral. The slider comprises means of guiding the cable through the opening. The support, the cover and the slider are arranged in such a way that rotating the cover and the slide with respect to the support about the axis of the spiral gives rise to: – in one direction of rotation, movement of the slider in the opposite direction to the axis of the spiral, said movement causing the cable in the groove under the cover to be inserted through the opening by the guide means; – in the other direction of rotation, the slider to move in the direction of the axis of the spiral, this movement causing the cable to be extracted from the groove and on top of the cover by the means of guidance through the opening. Application: electric or hybrid vehicles.