Retractor Carrying Case with Integrated Tethering Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional carrying cases for small items do not effectively secure devices once they are removed, leading to potential damage, and existing tethering apparatuses lack the protective benefits of a carrying case.

Innovation Solution

A retractor carrying device with a retractable tensile member integrated into a carrying case, allowing secure tethering of portable devices to the case and attachment to a user's belt, while minimizing contact with the case to prevent wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a retractable tensile member is integrated into the carrying case to tether portable devices, then device security and protection are improved, but the carrying case structure and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice securityVSAvoidcarrying case structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the carrying case and retractor assembly into a single integrated unit. The retractor assembly is coupled to the carrying case, merging two separate functions (carrying and tethering) into one device, thereby improving device security without requiring a completely separate tethering system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retractable tensile member and spring mechanism are nested within the carrying case structure. The interior and exterior shells house the spring and tensile member in the retracted position, with the end fitting nested in a recess, minimizing the profile when not in use while maintaining security functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the retractable tensile member is housed within the carrying case, then device tethering capability is improved, but contact between the tensile member and case increases causing premature wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetethering capabilityVSAvoidcarrying case lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying case is divided into separate interior and exterior shells, creating a dedicated housing space for the retractor assembly. This segmentation isolates the tensile member within the shell structure, reducing direct contact between the tensile member and the main carrying case body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interior and exterior shells act as intermediary structures between the retractable tensile member and the carrying case. These shells provide a protective barrier that allows the tensile member to extend and retract while minimizing direct contact and friction with the case, thereby reducing wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the front sleeve height is reduced to minimize profile thickness, then ease of operation and portability are improved, but the ability to fully house the portable device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddevice housing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The front sleeve is designed to be expandable and contractible, allowing it to dynamically adjust its height. When the portable device is inserted, the front sleeve expands to accommodate it; when removed, it contracts to minimize profile thickness. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between portability and housing capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 secure retention and protection of portable devices, preventing damage and wear on the carrying case, while allowing convenient attachment and detachment.

Implementation Method 1

The spring is configured to bias the retractable tensile member into the retracted position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9072363B2Retractor carrying case

Publication Date: 2015.07.07 WEST COAST CHAIN MFG CO

AI summary

A retractor carrying device is configured to carry a portable device. In one embodiment, the retractor carrying case includes a carrying case defining a pouch configured to receive the portable device through an opening in the carrying case. The retractor carrying case also includes a retractor assembly coupled to the carrying case and a tensile closure mechanism. The retractor assembly is configured to tether the portable device to the carrying case. The tensile closure mechanism is configured to extend across the opening in the carrying case to selectively retain the portable device in the pouch of the carrying case.