Retractable Charging Port Assembly for Travel Bag Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Travel bags lack convenient and accessible charging solutions for electronic devices, especially when the user needs to charge devices on the go, as existing solutions do not efficiently integrate charging ports that are easily extractable and retractable for easy access.
Innovation Solution
A travel bag with a built-in battery and charging system that includes a support member with an elastic tether, allowing the charging port to be easily extracted and retracted, featuring a planar support, cable collar, and port well, which can be secured to the bag using a rivet and elastic tether, enabling convenient charging through ambient motion or solar panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the charging port is built into the travel bag, then the charging solution is integrated and portable, but the accessibility and ease of connection are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The charging port assembly is designed to be dynamically movable between a retracted position within the travel bag and an extended position for external access. The elastic tether enables the port to move freely while maintaining connection, allowing users to easily connect and disconnect devices without digging into the bag interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is segmented into separate functional components: the battery pack, the charging port assembly, and the elastic tether. This segmentation allows the port assembly to be independently positioned and accessed, improving accessibility while maintaining overall system integration within the travel bag.
2Device complexity
If the charging port is fixed inside the bag, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot easily access the port for charging
Solution Approach 1:
The charging port assembly transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically movable position using an elastic tether. This allows the port to be easily accessed by pulling it outward while maintaining a simple overall structure that requires no complex mechanical mechanisms, motors, or electronic controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tether serves as an intermediary element between the fixed battery pack and the movable charging port. It enables the port to move independently for easy access while maintaining a direct physical and electrical connection to the power source, avoiding the need for complex wiring or mechanical linkages.
3Ease of operation
If the charging port is externally accessible, then connection is easy, but the charging system loses portability and integration
Solution Approach 1:
The charging port assembly and cable are nested within the travel bag when not in use, with the battery pack contained inside and the port assembly retractable into the bag interior. This nesting arrangement maintains portability and integration while allowing easy external access when needed, as the entire charging system folds compactly within the bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system employs dynamic positioning where the port assembly can be extended outward for easy connection and retracted inward for portability. The elastic tether provides the mechanical flexibility for this dynamic movement, allowing the system to adapt between integrated storage and accessible operation states without permanent external attachments.
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
Enables users to conveniently charge electronic devices by providing a portable and accessible charging solution that integrates with the travel bag's design, allowing easy extraction and retraction of the charging port for seamless charging, enhancing user experience during travel.
Implementation Method 1
A travel bag with a built-in battery and charging system may include a support member with an elastic tether, allowing the charging port to be easily extracted and retracted
Data Source
AI summary
A case including a support member is disclosed. The support member includes a port well and a collar for receiving an internal charging port of the case. An elastic tether is coupled to the support member and the case and configured to facilitate extraction of the support member from an aperture of the case for coupling of the internal charging port to an external charging port. The elastic tether also facilitates retraction of the support member and internal charging port into the aperture. The support member also includes a tab for grasping by a user.