Rotary Module Cable Management for Portable Sound Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable sound devices with wired connections often suffer from tangled or caught sound cables, which are inconvenient for mobility and use, and existing wireless solutions may not have a compact structure due to the number of components in rotary modules.

Innovation Solution

A portable sound device with a rotary module that includes a shaft, a bobbin, a reel spring, and a guide plate system to efficiently wind and unwind the sound cable, reducing the number of members and achieving a compact structure while maintaining functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rotary module is provided to manage the sound cable, then the cable tangling problem is solved, but the device structure becomes complex and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable managementVSAvoidrotary module structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the guide plate component: it serves as both a guide for the sound cable and a mechanism to limit the rotation angle of the rotary module. The guide slot in the guide plate directly controls the bobbin's rotation range, eliminating the need for separate limiting mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide plate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the sound cable through the guide slot, limits the rotation angle of the bobbin via the guide slot's geometry, and works with the bump and track system to control the rotary module's movement. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the sound cable is made long to ensure connectivity, then connection reliability is improved, but the cable becomes prone to tangling and catching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcable tangling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic cable management system where the bobbin can rotate to wind and unwind the sound cable based on usage conditions. The rotary module allows the cable length to be dynamically adjusted, keeping the cable tidy when not in use and providing sufficient length when needed, thus preventing tangling while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary module with reel spring enables automatic cable winding. When the sound cable is released, the reel spring automatically winds it back onto the bobbin, keeping the cable organized without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism effectively prevents tangling and catching issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication is implemented, then mobility is improved, but the need for cable management mechanisms increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidcable management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cable management system into modular components: the rotary module, bobbin, guide plate, and reel spring. This segmentation allows for compact arrangement of parts and enables the wireless sound device to include cable management functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity. The modular design also facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for a compact and convenient wireless portable sound device that effectively manages the sound cable, reducing tangling and improving user experience by incorporating a reduced number of module components, enhancing mobility and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a reel spring for providing rotary force to the bobbin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3439321B1Portable sound device
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3439321B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3439321B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3439321B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A portable sound device having a main body having an earbud holder, an earbud detachably mounted in the earbud holder for outputting a sound, a main board located in the main body, the main body being connected to the earbud via a sound cable, and a rotary module mounted in the main body is provided. The rotary module includes a shaft fixed to the main body, a bobbin rotatable about the shaft, the sound cable being wound around the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin, a reel spring providing rotary force to the bobbin, a track having a concave part, the track being rotated with the bobbin, a guide plate having a guide slot, through which the shaft extends, the guide slot extending in one direction, and a bump protruding from the guide plate so as to be inserted into the track.