Power Adapter Enclosure with Cable Wrapping Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of cables from computing devices creates hazardous work environments due to tripping hazards and cable entanglement, especially as devices are designed to minimize physical footprint, making it difficult to distinguish and manage power and network cords.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter unit comprising a first piece with an enclosure and a second piece that forms a cable wrapping surface, along with a carriage and display device caddy designs that securely store power adapters and manage cables, reducing cable length and preventing tripping by wrapping cables around the unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If computing devices are designed to minimize physical footprint, then device size is reduced, but cable management becomes more difficult and tripping hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter is extracted from the computing device itself and placed in a separate enclosure unit. This allows the device to maintain its compact footprint while the adapter and its cables are managed in a dedicated external container with cable wrapping capabilities, thereby separating the harmful cable management issue from the compact device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The power adapter is nested within the enclosure unit, which provides a container structure that holds both the adapter and its cables. The enclosure acts as an outer container that organizes and contains the adapter and cable system, preventing cables from extending into tripping zones while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are used by computing devices, then device functionality is enhanced, but cable entanglement and hazard creation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cables (power cable, network cable, peripheral cables) are merged into a single enclosure unit that houses them all together. The enclosure provides a unified management system where all cables originate from one organized location rather than being scattered, reducing entanglement while preserving all device functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure unit acts as an intermediary between the computing device and the multiple cables. It provides a structured interface that organizes cables before they extend to their destinations, preventing random cable placement and entanglement while allowing all necessary connections to be maintained.
3Power
If power adapters are placed intermittently between computing devices and wall outlets, then voltage transformation is enabled, but cable clutter and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure unit serves multiple functions: it houses the power adapter for voltage transformation, provides cable management through wrapping surfaces, offers organizational structure for multiple cables, and creates a compact unified unit. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate components (adapter, cable management, organization system) into one integrated solution, reducing overall complexity and clutter.
Data Source
AI summary
A power adapter unit may include, in an example, a first piece comprising an enclosure to place a power adapter therein; a second piece to contain the power adapter within the power adapter unit; and a cable wrapping surface formed by the second piece being coupled to the first piece.