Magnetic USB Cable Hub Mounting for Secure, Tangle-Free Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable hubs lack efficient and tool-free mounting solutions that can securely attach to ferromagnetic surfaces while minimizing the risk of damage from impulse forces and cable tangling.
Innovation Solution
A cable hub with a mounting magnet affixed to its interior surface, allowing magnetic attachment to ferromagnetic surfaces, combined with a high coefficient of friction on the exterior surface, which collectively provide a static force for secure connection and disconnection of USB connectors, and can absorb impulse forces through rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable hub is mounted using traditional mechanical methods (screws, adhesives), then secure attachment is achieved, but tool-free installation and ease of repositioning are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mounting systems (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic mounting system. The magnet embedded in the cable hub's base provides secure attachment to ferromagnetic surfaces without requiring tools for installation or removal, thus achieving both ease of operation and reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If the cable hub is firmly fixed to prevent movement, then stable connection is achieved, but impulse forces cause damage to connectors and cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mounting system where the magnetic force provides sufficient holding strength for stable connections during normal use, but allows the hub to rotate or shift slightly when subjected to impulse forces. This controlled movement absorbs shock and prevents damage to USB connectors and cables while maintaining operational stability.
3Reliability
If the cable hub is tightly mounted to prevent movement, then secure attachment is achieved, but cable tangling and twisting increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic mounting system allows the cable hub to rotate freely on the ferromagnetic surface, enabling users to adjust the orientation of connected cables. This rotational freedom prevents cable tangling and twisting by allowing optimal cable routing positions, while the magnetic force maintains sufficient attachment security during normal operation.
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
Enables tool-free, secure attachment to ferromagnetic surfaces, reduces cable tangling, and minimizes damage from impulse forces, while allowing easy repositioning and connection/disconnection of USB devices without mechanical strain.
Implementation Method 1
a mounting magnet affixed to the interior surface of the base, the mounting magnet having a sufficient pull strength for magnetically mounting the cable hub to a ferromagnetic surface
Implementation Method 2
the pull strength of the mounting magnet and a coefficient of friction of the exterior surface of the base collectively promote a static force between the base and the ferromagnetic surface
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a cable hub includes a housing having a base and a wall. The base has an interior surface and an exterior surface. A plurality of cable ports is disposed in the wall. A mounting magnet is affixed to the interior surface of the base. The mounting magnet has a sufficient pull strength for magnetically mounting the cable hub to a ferromagnetic surface upon placement of the exterior surface of the base against the ferromagnetic surface. The cable hub may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) hub. In another aspect, a kit includes the cable hub and at least one ferromagnetic plate. The ferromagnetic plate may be affixable to a surface using an adhesive material.