Retractable Data Cable Module With Simplified Spring Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable data cables have complex mechanical structures that increase manufacturing costs, maintenance difficulties, and reduce reliability and durability, particularly in high-frequency usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A retractable data cable module with a simplified spring and rotating seat structure, incorporating thickened gold fingers for stable electrical connections and a locking device to prevent accidental retraction, along with optional protection circuits, anti-interference shielding, and intelligent identification chips for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical structures (interconnected housings, control chips, coil spring bases, locking components, gear transmission systems) are used to achieve retractable function, then the data cable can extend and retract automatically, but the structure becomes too complex, increasing manufacturing costs, maintenance difficulties, and failure rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary complex mechanical components (control chips, coil spring bases, locking components, gear transmission systems) from the retractable cable structure, retaining only the essential rotating seat and spring mechanism. This extraction of extraneous elements directly reduces structural complexity while maintaining the core retractable function, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a spring to push the cable out (traditional approach), this patent inverts the mechanism: the spring pushes the rotating seat to rotate, which in turn winds the cable through the rotating seat's rotation. This inversion simplifies the force transmission path and eliminates the need for complex gear systems while achieving the same retractable effect with higher reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If complex mechanical structures with multiple components are used, then automatic retraction function is achieved, but manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary components (control chips, coil spring bases, locking components, gear systems) that increase manufacturing complexity and cost. By keeping only the essential rotating seat and spring assembly, the manufacturing process is simplified, reducing both direct costs and indirect costs associated with assembly precision and quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the rotating seat component: it serves as the mounting base for the spring, the rotation axis for cable winding, and the structural element that transmits force. This consolidation of functions into a single component reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If frequent manual operations are required for cable extension and retraction, then user control is achieved, but wear increases and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the spring mechanism that automatically winds the cable back after extension. The spring stores energy during cable extension and automatically releases it to retract the cable without user intervention. This eliminates frequent manual operations, reducing wear on mechanical components and extending the service life of the cable assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the spring's cyclic compression and expansion. The spring compresses when the cable is extended and expands to retract the cable, creating a automatic periodic motion that reduces the need for continuous manual operation. This periodic self-resetting mechanism minimizes wear from frequent manual handling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies the mechanical structure, reduces costs and maintenance, enhances reliability and durability, improves electrical stability, and ensures user convenience and safety across various environments.
Implementation Method 1
the spring is reset through elastic deformation, causing the rotating seat to rotate reversely, thereby achieving automatic retraction of the data cable
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a retractable data cable module and system. The retractable data cable module includes a shell including an upper housing and a lower housing engaged to each other; a rotating shaft fixedly disposed at a center of the upper housing; a spring sleeved on the rotating shaft and rotatably connected to the rotating shaft; the spring disposed at a center of a rotating seat and having two ends respectively fixed to the rotating shaft and the rotating seat; and a data cable wound around an exterior of the rotating seat and having a first end fixed to the rotating seat.