Rotatable Cable Assembly for Rear Positioning and Alarm Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cables attached to electronic devices, such as laptops and smartphones, often protrude from the front, causing clutter and impeding access, as existing solutions fail to effectively position and secure cables to the rear of the device while maintaining alarm functionality.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly with a rotating joint and a sensor assembly that includes a switch and LED light, allowing the cable to be positioned rearward, forming a circuit that activates an alarm condition upon disruption, and illuminates to signify an alarm-ready state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable is positioned to extend from the front of the electronic device, then the connection is simple and direct, but the cable protrudes and impedes access to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly incorporates a rotatable joint that allows the cable to dynamically change its orientation from facing forward to facing rearward. This dynamic positioning capability enables the cable to adapt between different operational states, resolving the contradiction by allowing the cable to be positioned optimally based on whether the device is being accessed or displayed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a rotational dimension to the cable assembly, transforming it from a fixed linear extension into a multi-directional component. By adding this rotational degree of freedom, the cable can now orient itself in different spatial directions, eliminating the harmful protrusion effect while maintaining the connection function.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the cable assembly is made rotatable to position the cable rearward, then the display is uncluttered and access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a cable, a rotatable joint, and a housing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall design. The rotatable joint is implemented as a separate, standardized mechanical element rather than an integrated complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire cable assembly complex to achieve rotation, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple, standardized rotatable joint mechanism that is commonly available. This inverted thinking leads to a simpler overall solution by leveraging existing reliable components rather than designing a custom complex mechanism.
3Shape
If the cable is secured to the rear of the device, then the display appearance is improved, but the alarm functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection for power/data transmission, enables alarm system functionality through integrated sensors, and maintains aesthetic display appearance. The rotatable joint and sensor assembly work together to achieve these multiple objectives without compromising any single function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the alarm system components (sensors, circuitry) directly into the cable assembly housing. This integration ensures that the alarm functionality travels with the cable regardless of its position, eliminating the risk of compromised alarm functionality while maintaining the improved display appearance achieved by rearward cable positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a system and a method positions a cable extending from an alarm system through a housing to face the cable toward the rear of an electronic device to which the cable is attached. The housing has a sensor assembly that holds a light visible through the sensor assembly to denote an alarm condition. A sensor associated with the sensor assembly connects to a corresponding sensor port in the electronic device. A joint attached to the sensor assembly rotates to position the cable. Detachment of the sensor from the port in the electronic device disrupts a circuit formed between the alarm system, the cable and the electronic device to activate the alarm condition.