Outlet-Hanging Storage for Charging Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mobility and usability of electronic devices are limited during charging due to the length of charging cords, and there is a risk of accidental disconnection or damage when devices are placed for charging, as there are no suitable surfaces to rest them on near the electrical outlet.
Innovation Solution
A storage apparatus with upper and lower portions, where the lower portion has a compartment to hold the device and a slot for the cord, and the upper portion has a loop to hang from the plug inserted into the outlet, allowing the device to be securely stored and used while charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device is placed on a surface for charging, then the device can be charged, but the mobility is limited by the cord length and the device may be accidentally disconnected or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal surface placement to vertical hanging storage by utilizing the vertical dimension. The storage apparatus with a loop hangs from the electrical outlet, suspending the device vertically above the outlet rather than placing it horizontally on a surface. This dimensional change eliminates cord snagging risks and improves safety while maintaining charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage apparatus acts as an intermediary between the electrical outlet and the device. It provides a secure hanging structure that holds the device in a safe position during charging, preventing direct contact with surfaces and reducing the risk of accidental disconnection or damage.
2Ease of operation
If the device is stored near the outlet during charging, then accessibility is improved, but the risk of accidental snagging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage apparatus preemptively prevents cord snagging by positioning the device above the outlet rather than near it on the same level. The vertical suspension creates clearance between the cord path and potential snagging objects, eliminating the harmful effect before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving the device from the horizontal plane near the outlet to the vertical dimension above the outlet, the patent separates the device from potential hazards while maintaining close proximity for accessibility. This spatial repositioning reduces snagging risks.
3Reliability
If a storage apparatus is added to hang from the outlet, then safety and accessibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides secure hanging support for the device, positions the device for optimal accessibility, and prevents cord snagging. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural element by delivering multiple benefits from a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of device positioning from horizontal surface placement to vertical suspension. This parameter change fundamentally improves safety and accessibility characteristics while adding only one structural component (the storage apparatus with loop).
Data Source
AI summary
A storage apparatus for storing an electronic device coupled to an electrical outlet via a charging apparatus that includes an electrical cord connected to a plug inserted into the electrical outlet. The storage apparatus has a lower portion defining a compartment in which the device may be inserted and stored. An upper portion of the storage apparatus is configured to hang the storage apparatus from the plug of the charging apparatus while the plug is inserted into the electrical outlet to thereby support the lower portion and the device stored therein.