Protective Case With Retractable Spool Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable electronic devices face the inconvenience of needing to carry and manage specific charging/sync cables, which can lead to frequent charging demands due to battery strain from video streaming and GPS navigation, and existing solutions either require manual cable connection or do not provide a constant, integrated charging/sync capability.
Innovation Solution
A protective case with a spool assembly that integrates a retractable and dispensable USB Type A charge/sync cable, allowing the device to be used during charging and ensuring the cable is always connected and ready for use, with a design that includes a latch system for easy assembly and disassembly, and elastomeric decals for protection and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charge/sync cable is always physically and electrically connected to the device, then the user never lacks charging capability, but the device structure becomes more complex and bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The charge/sync cable is coiled and stored within a spool assembly that is nested inside the protective case. The cable can be dispensed from the case when needed and retracted back into the case when not in use, allowing the system to maintain charging availability while preserving a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable connection system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic dispensable/retractable connection. The spool assembly allows the cable to be extended when charging is needed and retracted when not needed, providing adaptability while maintaining readiness.
2Ease of operation
If the cable is made dispensable and retractable, then the device can be used during charging, but the cable connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is pre-connected to the device through the case assembly before the user needs to charge. The proximal end of the cable is permanently attached to the case, and the distal end is ready for connection to power sources, eliminating the need for manual connection steps during charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The case assembly acts as an intermediary between the cable and the device. The cable is connected to the case rather than directly to the device, allowing the cable to be dispensable and retractable while maintaining a stable connection through the case's spool assembly mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the cable is fully integrated into the case, then cable management is simplified, but the case design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management function is extracted from the traditional approach of carrying separate cables and is integrated into the case through a spool assembly. This allows the cable to be automatically stored and organized within the case, simplifying cable management while the spool mechanism handles the complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable storage, cable organization, and cable connection functions are merged into a single integrated spool assembly within the case. This consolidation simplifies the overall system by combining multiple cable management tasks into one mechanism, despite the increased internal complexity of the spool assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective case for a portable electronic device which incorporates a spool assembly containing a user dispensable and retractable Industry standard or OEM charge/sync cable. The case provides the user with the utility of always having a charge/sync cable available when needed while being discreetly housed in a low-profile ergonomically pleasing package. The case and spool assembly provide the user with up to 3 Ft or more of cable available for dispensing from the case while allowing the portable electronic device to be charged/synced at any desired dispensed length of cable, and can be manufactured using any thermoplastic, metal, wood, or composite. The dispensed cable and connector can be rewound onto the spool manually using the spool finger pockets.