Retractable Label Assembly for Electronic Device Connection Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing density of physical connections on electronic devices complicates access to identification and information, making routine maintenance and problem determination difficult due to obscured labeling.
Innovation Solution
A retractable and flexible label assembly with a visual representation of connections and status indicators that correspond to actual device connections, allowing for easy identification and status monitoring of input/output connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the density of physical connections on electronic devices is increased, then device functionality is improved, but access to identification and information labeling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the labeling information from the traditional two-dimensional back faceplate to a three-dimensional retractable structure that extends from the front of the device. This dimensional change allows information to be accessible from the front without adding physical connections to the back panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable label assembly acts as an intermediary element between the user and the device connections. It provides a flexible medium that can be extended to display information and retracted when not needed, mediating the interaction without interfering with the actual connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the density of physical connections is increased, then device functionality is improved, but identification labeling becomes obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the labeling information from the crowded back faceplate area and relocates it to a separate retractable assembly that extends from the front. This separation removes the obstruction caused by dense connections while preserving all identification and status information.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from a fixed two-dimensional back panel to a three-dimensional retractable front-facing structure, the patent creates additional spatial dimension for information display, allowing it to be viewed without interference from connections.
3Ease of operation
If a retractable label assembly is added, then access to connection information is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible printed circuit board as the base for the label assembly, allowing it to be retractable while maintaining a thin, lightweight profile. This flexible substrate integrates electrical connections and labeling information without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the retractable label assembly: it serves as both the physical label carrier and the status indicator display, while also providing structural support for the flexible circuit board. This integration reduces overall device complexity compared to separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
The label assembly is comprised of a flexible body with a front and back surface and includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the flexible body is affixed to the electronic device. A label is attached to the front surface of the flexible body and includes a visual representation of a connection of the electronic device that corresponds to an actual connection of the electronic device as well as an identification mark associated with the visual representation of the connection. The flexible body of the label assembly includes a status indicator displaying a status based on electrical signals associated with the actual connection of the electronic device, and the flexible body includes an electrical connector connecting the status indicator of the flexible body and the electrical signals associated with the actual connection of the electronic device.