Portable Emergency Appliance With Retractable Cable Handle

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable jumpstart systems are cumbersome to use and store, requiring manual unwinding and rewinding of cables, posing safety risks due to tangled or incorrectly connected jumper cables, and lack convenient storage solutions, especially when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A portable emergency appliance with a retractable handle and integrated power source, featuring extendable and retractable cables secured by the handle, providing easy access and secure storage, along with additional functions like AC/DC power, pressurized air, lighting, and tool storage, and wheels for easy maneuverability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual unwinding and winding of cables is used, then the system provides portable jump start capability, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cable dispensingVSAvoidtime required for manual cable management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable reel assembly is designed to automatically unwind when force is applied to the free end of the cable, and automatically rewind when the force is released. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual unwinding and winding operations, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual winding of cables is required, then the system remains simple in structure, but the cables become tangled and difficult to store

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cable storageVSAvoidcable management mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic rewind function of the cable reel assembly winds the cables back onto the reel without user intervention after use. This self-service storage mechanism prevents tangling and makes cable storage simple, while the reel assembly itself remains a relatively simple mechanical component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If loose battery jumper cables are used, then the system remains simple and portable, but safety risks increase due to tangling and incorrect connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability of jump start systemVSAvoidsafety of cable connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable assembly is segmented into a reel portion and a free end portion, allowing the cables to be neatly wound on the reel for safe storage while providing a sufficient free end for connection. This segmentation maintains portability while eliminating the safety risks associated with loose, tangled cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If integrated battery is used, then the system provides complete jump start capability, but the weight becomes significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of jump start systemVSAvoidweight of emergency appliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The emergency appliance is designed with multiple functions including jump start capability, AC power output, DC power output, air pump, and lighting. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into one unit, making the weight necessary for complete versatility rather than optional additions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1936776A2Emergency appliance system
Publication Date: 2008.06.25 WISE ROBERT W
  • EP1936776A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1936776A2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1936776A2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A portable emergency appliance comprises a housing and an integrated power source. A retractable handle extends from the housing between a first position and a second position. Retractable cables are connected to the power source and are removably connectable to the retractable handle, such that the cables are secured by the handle when the handle is in the first position, and are at least partially extended when the handle is in the second position. The cables are then releasable from the handle at the second position, to typically provide further extension and retraction to render service to an external entity. The power source is preferably rechargeable. The emergency appliance may preferably provide a variety of other functions, such as but not limited to AC power, DC power, pressurized air, lighting, tool storage and/or data storage and/or display.