Rotatable Docking Station With Retractable Cable Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 cables are prone to disconnection during device repositioning, lacking efficient power and data connection management.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable docking station with a swivel mount assembly and integrated cable retractors that securely mount electronic devices, allowing for seamless rotation while managing cables to prevent disconnection and providing retractable power and data connections.
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 accessibility is improved, but cable disconnection risk increases and meeting disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cable management function into separate retractable cable assemblies that are independent from the device mounting. Each cable retractor can be independently controlled to extend or retract, allowing the device to be repositioned without moving the entire cable assembly, thus maintaining connection stability while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable retractors are designed to be dynamically adjustable during device repositioning. The cables can extend when the device moves to a new position and retract when returning to the original position, providing adaptive cable management that maintains reliability while enabling ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic device is physically moved along the table top from one user to another, then user accessibility is improved, but meeting disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the device mounting from cable management through independent retractable cable assemblies, the system allows quick device repositioning without the time-consuming process of disconnecting and reconnecting cables, significantly reducing meeting disruption time while maintaining accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional power and data connections are provided using cables that are dispensed when needed, then connection versatility is improved, but cable organization and management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable cable assemblies are designed to accommodate multiple types of connections (power and data) through universal interfaces and routing mechanisms. The same retractor structure can handle different cable types, reducing overall system complexity while providing versatile connection options for various devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable retractors utilize a nested design where excess cable length is stored within the retractor housing when not in use. This nesting mechanism automatically organizes cables in a compact, orderly fashion, eliminating the need for complex external cable management systems while supporting versatile connections.
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 minimizes disruption during user transitions, ensures continuous power and data connectivity, and keeps cables organized, enhancing the usability and efficiency of electronic devices in shared environments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring having a coiled part wound around the at least one spring spool
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 an insertable part 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 inserted into an opening in the insertable part of the assembly body, a plate part, side walls with at least one side aperture, and a platform part. At least one first roller directs a cable extending through an opening in the another insertable part into a volume between the plate part and the platform part. At least one second roller directs a further cable through the at least one side aperture. A cable retractor includes a frame. An intermediate storage section of the cable or further cable is ordinarily disposed within the frame.