Pivoting Accessory Hanger for Stowed Access and Clean Aesthetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for storing small and portable device accessories, such as audio devices and styluses, often result in loss or difficulty in retrieval, and may have an unsightly appearance when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable accessory hanger system for electronic devices that transitions between stowed and deployed positions, featuring a pivot mechanism allowing easy access and secure locking, providing a clean aesthetic when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If accessories are stored in a bag or backpack, then accessibility is improved, but the user may lose track of where accessories are stowed and retrieval becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory hanger system automatically provides visual feedback to users through illumination when accessories are placed on it, eliminating the need for users to search for accessories in bags. The hanger literally shows users where their accessories are located through optical illumination, enabling instant retrieval without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical illumination (light emission) to indicate the presence and location of accessories on the hanger. The illumination changes the visual appearance of the hanger area, making accessories visible and identifiable to users, thus solving the problem of losing track of accessory locations.
2Ease of operation
If standalone hooks or tabs are used for accessory storage, then accessibility is improved, but the aesthetic appearance becomes negative when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory hanger is designed to be movable between a deployed position (where it provides accessory storage functionality) and a retracted position (where it maintains a clean aesthetic appearance). The hanger can dynamically change its state based on whether accessories need to be stored or a clean look is desired, resolving the contradiction between functionality and aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
When not in use, the accessory hanger retracts into or alongside the electronic device housing, effectively nesting itself within the device structure. This eliminates the visual clutter of standalone hooks while maintaining the ability to deploy the hanger when accessories need to be stored.
3Ease of operation
If a rotatable hanger mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger incorporates a rotatable mechanism that allows it to pivot between different positions (deployed and retracted). This dynamic capability enables the hanger to be easily accessed and operated while maintaining relatively simple construction, as the rotation function is achieved through basic mechanical pivoting rather than complex actuation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, an accessory hanger may include a pivot to rotatably engage with a housing of an electronic device about a pivot axis and a hanger rotatably attached to the pivot about a hanger axis, transverse to the pivot axis. The pivot may rotate the hanger relative to the housing about the pivot axis between a stowed position and a deployed position and the hanger may be movable from an unlocked position to a locked position when in the deployed position.