Mushroom-Shaped Cord Protector with Live Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting and storing electrical extension cords are either non-portable or lack aesthetically pleasing designs, failing to meet the needs of homeowners who require a practical and visually appealing, single-member housing solution.
Innovation Solution
A portable, mushroom-shaped single-member housing assembly made from molded rubber or plastic with a live hinge and recessed indentions, allowing for easy transportation and protection of elongated elements while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mounted winding assembly is used to protect and store the electrical cord, then the cord is protected from environmental damage and neatly stored, but the assembly loses portability and cannot be easily moved to different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective housing and winding storage functions into a single integrated portable unit. The housing (20) with recessed indentions (25) and live hinge (35) merges the protection mechanism with the winding caddy, allowing both cord protection and portable storage in one device that can be easily transported to different locations.
2Reliability
If a conventional utilitarian extension cord housing is used, then the cord is protected and stored, but the appearance is unsightly and unappealing for display in visible areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric mushroom-shaped design for the housing that deviates from conventional utilitarian forms. The distinctive shape with a rounded top portion and base creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance suitable for display, while the recessed indentions and live hinge provide functional cord protection and storage capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is available in various colors including earth tones and vibrant hues, allowing it to blend with or complement different interior decors. This color variety transforms the housing from a purely functional item into an aesthetically pleasing decorative piece suitable for visible areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single-member molded housing is used, then the device achieves portability and aesthetic appeal, but the manufacturing complexity increases compared to multi-part assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
While the housing is molded as a single piece, the design incorporates segmented functional zones including the recessed indentions (25) for cord winding and the live hinge (35) mechanism. This segmentation of function within a unified structure allows complex functionality to be achieved through mold design rather than assembly of multiple parts, maintaining portability while managing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A molded portable single-member housing assembly for securing and protecting elongated elements having an aesthetically pleasing design is provided. The molded portable single-member housing assembly having a lid and a depressed housing portion connected via a live hinge. The lid is engaged by a user via an aperture which permits the user to physically manipulate the lid rotatably about a hinge axis. The elongated element is store or housed within the base portion and permitted access out of the housing via at least two indentions. Further, the molded portable single-member housing assembly has at least four legs.