Modular Charging Cable Support Arm for Easy Overhead Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging station cables are prone to damage and pose safety hazards due to their dangling nature, and current support solutions are bulky, expensive, and require professional installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular, user-constructable cable support arm system comprising rigid units, connectors, and a wall mount hinge, allowing users to assemble an arm of desired length to hold the cable above the vehicle, with concealed cable storage and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pole or beam is used to support the charging cable, then the cable is prevented from dangling on the ground, but the structure becomes very large and bulky requiring professional installation
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is divided into multiple modular rigid units (first rigid unit, second rigid unit, third rigid unit) that can be independently assembled and connected. This segmentation allows the structure to be constructed from simple components rather than requiring installation of a single large complex pole or beam, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining cable protection capability.
2Reliability
If a beam or arm is used to hold the cable, then the cable is kept off the ground, but the entire arm may need to be dismantled and replaced if length changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm consists of multiple detachable rigid units connected by connectors, allowing individual units to be added or removed to adjust the overall length. This modular construction enables easy modification of arm length without dismantling and replacing the entire structure, while continuously maintaining cable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors enable dynamic reconfiguration of the rigid units, allowing the support arm to be easily adjusted in length by connecting or disconnecting units. This dynamic adaptability provides flexibility for different cable lengths and installation requirements while maintaining reliable cable support.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cable is held above the vehicle, then people do not trip over the cable and it is not damaged, but a supporting structure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is segmented into multiple simple rigid units that can be assembled to create an overhead support system. This segmentation transforms the requirement for a complex single-piece structure into a simple modular assembly, making the structure easier to install and maintain while effectively elevating the cable to eliminate safety hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular cable support arm system, including two or more rigid units to form an arm to hold an electric charging cable, a wall mount hinge to rotatably attach a first rigid unit to a wall, a handle connector connected to a last rigid unit to attach a handle support to guide the arm to a desired location and hold a charging handle of the electric charging cable when not in use, one or more connectors connecting the two or more rigid units together sequentially to form the arm; and wherein at least one of the two or more rigid units are U shaped having an opening facing downward to conceal the electric charging cable within the rigid unit and to hold the electric charging cable so that the electric charging cable does not need to be dismantled and inserted into the arm to be held by the arm.