Retractable USB Cable with EMI Shield and Bend Radius Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB cords lack a practical solution for organized management and storage, especially in environments like passenger vehicles, where they need to be easily extendable and retractable while maintaining signal integrity and resistance to interference.
Innovation Solution
A retractable USB cord system featuring twisted data wires overlaid with an EMI/RFI shield, additional conductors, and a braided nylon jacket, which includes a stationary and movable USB coil configuration for communication, and a cable management system with a tension element to prevent cable extraction, ensuring a sufficient bend radius and impedance for reliable data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the USB cord is made retractable on a reel for easy management and storage, then the ease of operation and storage is improved, but the reliability of data transmission may deteriorate due to repeated bending and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shielding structures and protective coverings that can withstand repeated bending without compromising signal integrity. The cable incorporates flexible EMI/RFI shields and protective jackets that maintain their protective function even when bent to the minimum bend radius of 55mm, thus preserving data transmission reliability while enabling retractable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies critical geometric parameters including a minimum bend radius of 55mm and impedance control at 90 Ohms. These parameter specifications ensure that the cable maintains its electrical characteristics and signal integrity even when repeatedly extended and retracted, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and transmission reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple wires and shields are layered together for EMI/RFI protection, then the resistance to interference is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protective functions into an integrated cable structure where data wires, power wires, EMI/RFI shields, and protective jackets are merged into a unified assembly. This consolidation maintains comprehensive EMI/RFI protection while simplifying the overall structure compared to separate protective components, thus reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable employs a nested structure where inner data wires are surrounded by EMI/RFI shields, which are in turn enclosed by protective jackets. This nested arrangement provides layered EMI/RFI protection at multiple levels while maintaining a compact overall structure that is manageable in terms of manufacturing and assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cord is extended and retracted frequently for portable use, then the adaptability to different environments is improved, but the durability and lifespan of the cable may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective measures in advance, including robust protective jackets and reinforced construction at critical points such as connectors and bending zones. These pre-engineered protective elements cushion against wear and stress from frequent extension and retraction, thereby extending the cable's operational lifespan while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to flex and move repeatedly without failure. The construction accommodates the dynamic nature of frequent extension and retraction through flexible materials and structures that can withstand continuous movement, thus preserving durability while enabling adaptable portable 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 provides a USB cord with improved manageability, resistance to interference, and maintained signal integrity, allowing for reliable data transmission with a bend radius of at least 55 mm and impedance of 90 Ohms, suitable for various environments including passenger vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of data wires placed next to each other and overlaid with an EMI/RFI shield
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for producing a USB cable capable of being fed out of and returned to a cable reel is disclosed along with a cable reel that houses the cable and provides connectivity for the cable.