Hinged Attachment Device with Rubber Edges for Cable Strain Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment devices for securing small electronics, such as those with Kensington Security Slots, can cause cable strain and wear due to sharp edges, and devices without these slots, like CableSaver, may not provide adequate security or durability.
Innovation Solution
An attachment device with a tubular through-going opening and parallel rotational axis, featuring rubber and rigid plate members with a hinge mechanism, which reduces cable strain and incorporates rubber edges to prevent scratching and noise, and is designed to work with Kensington locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sharp-edged cut-outs are used to encircle cables in the closed position, then the attachment device can effectively secure the cable, but the sharp edges exert strain on and wear the cables and may cause 180 degrees bend
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies rubber plate parts with rounded edges instead of sharp-edged metal cut-outs. The rubber material provides flexibility and cushioning, allowing the attachment device to encircle and secure cables without exerting concentrated strain on specific points. The rounded edges prevent cable wear and bending while maintaining effective cable enclosure in the closed position.
2Reliability
If Kensington Security Slot with metal reinforcement is used, then adequate security is provided, but it is difficult to provide small devices with such a slot and the lock may hamper usability or appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment device into separate plate members that can be opened and closed around the cable. This segmentation allows the security function to be provided externally rather than requiring built-in Kensington slots in the protected device, maintaining the device's original appearance and usability while providing equivalent security through the external attachment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing security through a fixed slot in the device (zero-dimensional hole), the patent uses a hinged attachment device that encircles the cable (one-dimensional enclosure), creating security in a different dimensional approach that does not interfere with the protected device's structure or appearance.
3Strength
If rigid plate parts are used to improve stiffness, then it becomes more difficult to pull the locking member out without unlocking, but the device may cause more strain on the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines rigid plate parts for structural strength with rubber plate parts for cable protection. The rigid portions provide the necessary stiffness to prevent unauthorized removal of the locking member, while the rubber portions contact the cable to distribute pressure and prevent strain. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between needing strength for security and avoiding harm to the cable.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device (1) for an apparatus (10), which apparatus (10) comprises a fixed cable (2) with a connector (12) at its free end. The attachment device (1) comprises a first plate member (3) and a second plate member (4), which by means of a hinge member (7) are rotatably connected to each other about a hinge axis (5). Hereby, they can rotate between a closed position, in which the plate members (3, 4) lie against each other, and in which the attachment device (1) defines a through-going opening (6) for the cable (2), and an open position, in which the cable (2) can be removed from the attachment device (1). The first plate member (3) comprises a first locking slot (83) and the second plate member (4) comprises a second locking slot (84). The first and second locking slots (83, 84) are aligned in the closed position, whereby a locking member (13) can be inserted through both locking slots (83, 84) and lock the attachment device (2) in the closed position, in which the cable (2) cannot be out pulled through the through-going opening (6). The hinge axis (5) is parallel with the first and second plate members (3, 4) and that the through-going opening (6) is tubular.