Retractable USB Plug with Elastic Sliding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional USB devices are inconvenient due to easily lost caps and cumbersome mechanisms for protecting the USB plug, which can lead to pollution or damage when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A USB device design featuring a sliding main body with elastic components and a positioning mechanism that allows the USB plug to extend and retract automatically through a through hole in the external housing, facilitated by guide rails and elastic forces, enabling easy data transfer and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap is used to cover the USB plug when not in use, then the USB plug is protected from pollution or damage, but the cap is easily lost and using it is inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective cap function with the USB plug itself by integrating a retractable mechanism directly into the plug housing. The plug can automatically retract into the housing to protect itself, eliminating the need for a separate cap while maintaining protection reliability and significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB plug is designed with self-protective capability through an automatic retractable mechanism. When not in use, the plug automatically retracts into the housing to protect itself from damage or pollution, eliminating the need for user intervention with external caps and providing continuous protection without convenience compromises.
2Reliability
If a movable USB plug design is implemented, then the USB plug can be retracted for protection, but the mechanism becomes more complex and less intuitive to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the USB device into distinct functional components: a fixed housing, a movable plug assembly, and independent elastic components. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function simply - the plug moves linearly within the housing while elastic components provide automatic return force, reducing overall system complexity despite the retractable feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces elastic components as intermediaries between the movable plug and the housing. These elastic components mediate the retractable motion by providing automatic return force without requiring complex motors or control systems, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining reliable protection functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a button mechanism is added for controlling the USB plug movement, then the plug can be extended and retracted, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The button mechanism is integrated into the plug assembly itself, allowing the plug to control its own extension and retraction. When the plug is pushed outward, it naturally extends; when released, elastic components automatically retract it. This self-service design provides full controllability without requiring separate control mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while achieving ease of operation.
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 design ensures the USB plug is protected when not in use and easily accessible during data transfer, eliminating the need for a separate cap and simplifying user interaction by using elastic forces for automatic retraction.
Implementation Method 1
A first elastic component withstands the external housing and the main body... the user can press the button body for the USB plug to return back to the external housing automatically according to the elastic force generated by the first elastic component
Data Source
AI summary
A USB device is disclosed, comprising an external housing including an accommodating space, wherein a top surface of the external housing has a through hole. A main body is disposed in the accommodating space, wherein the main body slides along a direction. A first elastic component presses against the external housing and the main body. A positioning component is perpendicular the sliding direction of the main body and disposed in the through hole.