Retractable Cable Mechanism in Mobile Device Case

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile device cases do not effectively integrate a retractable charging cable solution that allows for secure protection of the device while enabling convenient charging and data syncing without obstructing the device's functionality.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device case design featuring a retractable cable mechanism, where a connector piece is electrically coupled to a cable that can be extended and locked to a desired length, allowing connection to external power sources or devices, and then retracted back into the case using a spool or wheel-based mechanism for storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cable is integrated into a mobile device case, then the device can be charged and synced conveniently, but the cable may obstruct the device's functionality when not properly managed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of charging and syncingVSAvoidobstruction of device functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is nested within the mobile device case, with the connector piece housed in a compartment inside the case. When not in use, the cable is completely contained within the case, preventing any obstruction. When needed, the cable can be extended outward from the case through an opening, providing convenient access for charging and syncing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable system transitions from a static integrated state to a dynamic extendable state. The cable can be extended outward from the case when needed for charging or data transfer, and retracted back into the case when not in use. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between providing convenient access and preventing obstruction of device functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a retractable cable mechanism is added to the case, then cable organization and protection are improved, but the device case becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable organization and protectionVSAvoidcase structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case is segmented into distinct functional compartments: a main compartment for the mobile device and a separate compartment for housing the connector piece and cable. This segmentation allows the cable management system to be organized in a dedicated space with its own structural features (opening, retractable mechanism), providing stable cable organization while containing the complexity within a specific segment rather than distributing it throughout the entire case structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the cable is kept extended for easy access, then charging and syncing are convenient, but the cable may become damaged or disorganized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for charging and syncingVSAvoidcable integrity and organization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retractable mechanism and compartment structure provide protective cushioning for the cable when it is not in use. By housing the connector piece and cable within the protected compartment of the case, the system prevents the cable from becoming exposed to external damage, tangling, or disorganization. The case structure itself acts as a protective environment that preserves cable integrity between uses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9472909B2Mobile device case with retractable cable

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 GINSBERG EZRA J

AI summary

A mobile device case is generally described. In some examples, the mobile device case may include a retracting mechanism. In some examples, the retracting mechanism may be coupled to a cable. The cable may be effective to allow the cable to be extended away from the mobile device case, lock the cable into place at a length of extension, and retract the cable into the mobile device case. In some examples, the cable may be electrically coupled to a connector piece formed within the mobile device case. In various examples, the cable may be effective to provide power or sync data to a mobile device installed within the mobile device case.