Retractable Tethering System for Secure Device Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a tethering system that securely attaches smartphones and other electronic devices to a person to prevent accidental drops, misplacement, and loss, while allowing for easy accessibility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A device tethering system comprising a retraction component with a tether extending from a pouch, a belt, and a device mounting component that allows the device to be securely attached to a person, with the option to extend and retract for use, featuring a spindle and pulley mechanism for winding and unwinding the tether, and a release feature for disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tethering system with retraction component is used to secure a device to a person, then device security and accessibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction component is housed within a pouch that attaches to the person's clothing or belt. The tether is stored inside the retraction component, creating a nested structure where the smallest element (tether) is contained within the retraction mechanism, which is in turn contained within the pouch assembly. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions into a compact unit that maintains security while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethering system is designed to accommodate multiple device types (smartphones, tablets, wearables) through a universal mounting interface. The retraction component serves multiple functions: storing the tether, controlling its extension, and providing a secure attachment point. The pouch can attach to various clothing items or belts, making the system adaptable to different users and situations without requiring multiple specialized components.
2Ease of operation
If a tether is extended from a pouch to allow device accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of misplacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction component includes a mechanical feedback system where the tether's extension state is visibly indicated through the pouch exterior or through tactile feedback when extending or retracting. The spring-loaded or elastic tether provides natural tension feedback that indicates when the device is fully extended versus when it is retracted, giving the user continuous information about device location and tether state without requiring electronic sensors or complex tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction component acts as an intermediary between the pouch (fixed point) and the device (mobile object). This intermediate mechanism controls the tether's extension and retraction, providing a buffer zone that allows device accessibility while maintaining connection to the secure anchor point. The retraction mechanism's design ensures the device cannot be completely separated from the pouch, preventing misplacement while still allowing full operational access.
3Ease of operation
If a retraction component with spindle and pulley mechanism is used, then tether control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex spindle and pulley mechanism from the main manufacturing process by using a modular retraction component that can be pre-assembled and tested as a complete unit before integration into the final pouch assembly. This extraction allows specialized manufacturers to produce the retraction mechanism separately using optimized processes, then attach it to the pouch as a complete sub-assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and enabling standardization of the retraction component across different product variants.
Data Source
AI summary
A device tethering system is provided for securing a device to a source location as may be assisted by a tether. The device tethering system may include a retraction component, tether, pouch, belt, device mounting component, device aspect of the device mounting component, and/or tether aspect of the device mounting component. A method for securing a device to a source location using the device tethering system is also provided.