Retractable Charging Insert With Plug Receptacle for Cable Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Charging cables for electrical devices often lie around loose and become a nuisance when not in use, causing inconvenience and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A charging insert with a mounting plate and a reversibly retractable charging cable, featuring a receptacle with a charging plug that is positively or force-fittedly fixed and can be removed as needed, and an integrated winder that automatically retracts the cable when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the charging cable is left loose and accessible, then it is easy to access and use, but it lies around annoyingly and causes damage when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of charging cableVSAvoidDamage and nuisance from loose cable
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The charging cable is nested within a receptacle structure when not in use, with the cable plug received in a recess of the mounting plate. The cable can be easily accessed when needed but is automatically retracted and protected when not in use, eliminating the nuisance of loose cables while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging cable system transitions from a static loose state to a dynamic retracted state. The cable can be pulled out for use and automatically retracts when not needed, providing adaptability between accessibility and protection based on usage conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the charging plug is fixed in the receptacle, then it is securely held in position, but it cannot be removed when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSecure positioning of charging plugVSAvoidRemovability of charging plug
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The charging plug fixation system transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic removable state. The plug is held securely in the receptacle during normal use but can be easily removed when needed, providing adaptability between secure positioning and removability based on usage conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the charging plug protrudes beyond the front of the mounting plate, then it is easily accessible, but it creates an unappealing visual appearance and potential damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of charging plugVSAvoidVisual appearance and compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The charging plug is nested within a recess of the mounting plate when not in use, creating a flush appearance that is visually appealing and compact. The plug remains easily accessible when needed but is protected and aesthetically integrated into the mounting plate structure when retracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4708627A1Charging insert and electrical supply device having a charging insert
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 POLLET ARMIN
  • EP4708627A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4708627A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2D
  • EP4708627A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a charging insert (10) for charging electrical devices, designed for installation in a cavity, and to an electrical supply unit (2) with such a charging insert (10). The charging insert has a mounting plate (14) with a front (16) and a rear (18), wherein a reel (36) is attached to the rear (18) with a charging cable (38) arranged therein and reversibly wound and unwound, the charging cable (38) having at one end a charging plug (22), in particular designed as a USB plug, which extends in a plugging direction (S). The mounting plate (14) has a receptacle (20) for the charging plug (22), which is bounded by a base (28) and by side walls (30), wherein the charging plug (22) is positively and/or frictionally secured in a parked position in the receptacle (20) and is reversibly removable.