Rotatable Docking Station With Cable Retractors for Shared Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for mounting electronic devices in shared spaces, such as conference rooms, often disrupt meetings when users need to access the devices, and they can cause cable disconnections during repositioning, while also lacking efficient cable management systems.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable docking station with a swivel mount assembly and integrated cable retractors that securely mount electronic devices, allowing for easy rotation and minimizing cable disconnections, along with retractable cable systems for organized storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic device is physically moved along the table top from one user to another, then user access is enabled, but cable disconnection occurs and meeting disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the electronic device from its power and data cables by introducing a docking station with cable management. The device can be moved independently on the rotatable mount while cables remain anchored at the docking station, eliminating cable disconnection risks during device repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station acts as an intermediary between the electronic device and the cables. Cables connect to the docking station rather than directly to the device, allowing the device to be freely positioned and rotated without affecting cable connections. The retractable cable mechanism further mediates by providing controlled cable deployment and retraction.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic device is physically moved along the table top from one user to another, then user access is enabled, but meeting disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic positioning capabilities through a rotatable mount that allows the electronic device to be easily rotated between different user positions without requiring physical relocation. This dynamic adjustment is quick and seamless, preventing meeting disruptions while maintaining cable connections through the docking station.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station is pre-configured with cable connections and power supply before the meeting begins. The rotatable mount is prepared in advance to accommodate device rotation. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for cable reconnection or device relocation during user transitions, thereby preventing meeting disruptions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cables are dispensed when needed for additional connections, then connectivity flexibility is improved, but cable organization and storage becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable cable mechanism provides self-service cable management. When a cable is pulled, it automatically deploys from the docking station to the required position. When not in use, the cable automatically retracts back into the docking station, maintaining organization without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism handles both deployment and retraction, simplifying cable management while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers cables automatically after use through the retractable mechanism. Cables that were deployed for connectivity are automatically retracted and stored back in the docking station when no longer needed, maintaining a tidy appearance and organized cable management without manual intervention.
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 enables seamless user transitions without disrupting meetings and ensures cables remain connected, while providing a tidy and accessible connectivity solution by using a swivel mount assembly and cable retractors to manage cables effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a spring spool mounted at the first frame end; a spring having a coiled part wound around the at least one spring spool
Implementation Method 2
a first pulley coupled to the slideable block and rotatable about a first axis; a second pulley disposed at the second frame end and rotatable about a fixed second axis
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable docking station includes a swivel mount assembly for rotational mounting of an electronic device. The swivel mount assembly includes and insertable part to be inserted into an opening in a structure and a lip part. A securing body secures the assembly body to a surface of the structure. A rotatable body includes another insertable part to be inserted into an opening in the insertable part of the assembly body, a plate part, and side walls with at least one side aperture. A platform part supports an electronic device and has at least one aperture at a location that permits a cable extending from the electronic device to pass through the aperture. At least one cable retractor is coupled to another end of the another insertable part of the rotatable body and has one first pulley and one second pulley.