Retractable Charging Hook for Headphone Storage on Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer peripherals, such as headphones, often occupy valuable desk space when not in use and require separate charging stations, leading to clutter and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a protractible hook that can retract into the housing when not in use and protract to charge peripherals like headphones, featuring a charging device and an actuation mechanism for controlled movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If peripherals are stored on the desk surface when not in use, then they are easily accessible, but desk space is occupied and clutter increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperipheral accessibilityVSAvoiddesk space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hook assembly utilizes the vertical dimension by extending from the display device housing to provide peripheral storage, thereby freeing up horizontal desk space while maintaining easy accessibility. The hook can be positioned at different heights and angles to accommodate various peripheral types without occupying valuable desk surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the display device and the peripheral, providing a dedicated mounting point that eliminates the need for separate charging stations or desk surface storage. This intermediary solution integrates storage functionality directly into the display device ecosystem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate charging stations are used for peripherals, then charging functionality is provided, but device complexity and clutter increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capabilityVSAvoidsystem components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hook assembly combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: it provides mechanical support for the peripheral, enables charging through integrated charging contacts, and offers adjustable positioning. This merging of support, charging, and positioning functions into one component eliminates the need for separate charging stations and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook assembly is designed with universal adaptability to support various types of peripherals (headphones, earbuds, watches, etc.) through adjustable positioning and universal charging contacts. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized charging solutions.

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

3Ease of operation

If the hook is always extended for peripheral storage, then peripherals can be stored conveniently, but the display device occupies more space and may be prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperipheral storage convenienceVSAvoidhook durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hook assembly incorporates a motorized actuator that enables dynamic extension and retraction based on operational needs. The hook extends when peripheral storage is required and retracts when not in use, optimizing both accessibility and durability. This dynamic positioning allows the hook to adapt its state based on user interaction patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes sensors that detect the presence or approach of a peripheral, triggering the hook to extend in advance before the user needs to place the peripheral. This preliminary action ensures the hook is ready for use while minimizing the time it remains extended, thereby reducing exposure to potential damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3750021B1Protractible hooks
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3750021B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3750021B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3750021B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An example display device includes a housing, a protractible hook fittable within the housing, a charging device coupled to the protractible hook, and an actuation member that moves the protractible hook from the retracted position to a protracted position where the protractible hook is positioned external to the housing.