Retractable Outlet Charging Cord With Reel Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power outlets with charging cords often result in clutter, safety hazards, and energy wastage due to cords remaining connected when not in use, as they do not have a mechanism to retract the charging cords.
Innovation Solution
A power outlet device with a retractable charging cord featuring a spring-assist reel and ratchet-and-pawl system that allows the cord to be pulled out and automatically locked in an extended position, and then retracted into the outlet when not in use, maintaining functionality as a traditional wall outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a charging cord is permanently connected to a power outlet, then the outlet can continuously charge devices, but it creates clutter, safety hazards, and energy wastage in the living space
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cord is extracted from the permanent fixed state and made movable through a reel mechanism. The cord can be pulled out when needed for charging and retracted into the outlet body when not in use, separating the charging function from the permanent physical presence of the cord in the living space.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cord transitions from a static permanently connected state to a dynamic retractable state. The reel mechanism with spring-assist and ratchet-and-pawl system enables the cord to move between extended and retracted positions, adapting to different usage needs while eliminating clutter when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If a charging cord is left extended from the outlet, then it is easily accessible for charging devices, but it creates aesthetic deterioration and organizational disarray in the space
Solution Approach 1:
The cord is extracted from the outlet body during use and can be easily pulled out when needed. When charging is complete, the cord is taken back into the outlet through the reel mechanism, restoring the clean aesthetic appearance of the wall outlet area.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cord is nested within the reel mechanism housed in the outlet body. When retracted, the cord is contained within the outlet structure, maintaining a neat and organized appearance. The reel allows the cord to be stored compactly within the outlet housing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a charging cord remains connected to the outlet when not in use, then the charging function is ready, but it causes energy wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cord dynamically transitions between extended and retracted states based on usage. The spring-assist reel mechanism automatically retracts the cord when not in use, disconnecting it from the power source and eliminating energy wastage while maintaining the ability to quickly extend the cord when charging is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel mechanism with spring-assist automatically performs the retraction function without user intervention. After the cord is pulled out for charging, the spring mechanism automatically winds the cord back into the reel when released, eliminating the need for manual retraction and ensuring the cord is consistently stored when not in use.
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
The solution prevents cord clutter, enhances safety by reducing tripping hazards, and conserves energy by allowing the cord to be neatly stored within the outlet when not in use, improving the aesthetic and organizational aspects of the space.
Implementation Method 1
The reel inside the body contains a spring-assist mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet-and-pawl system to manage the extension and retraction of the charging cord
Data Source
AI summary
A power outlet device with retractable charging cord is provided. The device is comprised of a body that includes plug openings, terminals, and a retractable charging cord housed within a reel mechanism. The reel inside the body contains a spring-assist mechanism and a ratchet-and-pawl system to manage the extension and retraction of the charging cord, which can be any standard type such as USB or lightning. In addition, the device functions as a traditional wall outlet via the plug openings.