Rotatable Multi-Connector Cable Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic cables with multiple connectors are cumbersome, prone to damage, and lack standardization, requiring multiple cables for different devices, which can lead to compatibility issues and inconvenience in charging or data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A cable design featuring rotatable connectors with multiple plugs, including USB, Lightning, and audio connectors, allowing for various configurations to accommodate different devices, reducing the need for multiple cables and enhancing compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cables are carried for different devices, then compatibility with various devices is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple different electrical connectors (USB Type-C, Lightning, Micro-USB, 3.5mm audio jack) into a single cable assembly, allowing users to connect multiple different electronic devices with one cable instead of carrying multiple separate cables, thus improving versatility while maintaining portability
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is designed with universal multi-functionality by incorporating multiple connector types that can interface with various electronic devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio devices, enabling a single cable to serve multiple purposes and device types
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable adapter tips are used for different plug types, then adaptability is improved, but reliability is worsened due to loss or misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate removable adapter tips that can be lost, the patent integrates multiple connector types directly into the cable assembly, ensuring all connectors are always available and eliminating the risk of loss or misplacement while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is pre-configured with multiple connector types built-in during manufacturing, so users do not need to attach or detach adapters when connecting to different devices, eliminating the reliability issues associated with removable components
3Adaptability or versatility
If hinged plugs are used for multiple connections, then versatility is improved, but strength is worsened due to damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector types into a single integrated cable structure without hinged or movable parts, eliminating the mechanical weakness and damage risk associated with hinged plugs while maintaining the ability to connect to various devices
4Ease of operation
If inactive plugs are stored outside the cable body, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened due to dirt or fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The cable design nests all connectors within or integrated into the cable body structure, protecting inactive plugs from external contamination while keeping them accessible for connection, thus maintaining both ease of operation and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A cable with ends having a body portion enabling rotatable electrical connector plugs to be deployed from a stored position to a ready position. The configuration of the body portion enables the connector plug to be electrically active only in the deployed ready position. The rotation mechanism provides tactile locking sensation. The design of the present cable enables multiple permutations of connector plugs to be provided on either the alpha or beta end of the cable.