Rotatable Swivel Protection for Dual Connector Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable data storage devices with protective caps face issues of cap loss and improper storage, leading to increased risk of electrical connector damage due to the need for frequent removal and reattachment of caps with multiple connectors.
Innovation Solution
A portable data storage device equipped with two rotatable U-shaped protective swivels that pivotally connect to the main housing, allowing both connectors to be protected without removal, ensuring they remain attached and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective caps are used to cover electrical connectors, then the electrical connectors are protected from damage, but the protective caps may be lost or improperly stored when removed
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap is merged with the housing to form an integrated structure. The cap is no longer a separate removable component but is instead fixed to the housing through the swivel mechanism, eliminating the risk of loss while maintaining protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cap is transformed from a static removable cover to a dynamic swivel-attached structure. The cap can rotate between covering and exposing positions while remaining connected to the housing, providing both protection and accessibility without risk of loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical connectors are added to support new data transmission standards, then the device becomes more versatile, but the complexity of managing multiple protective caps increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protective caps are merged into a single integrated swivel structure. Instead of having separate caps for USB and Lightning connectors, the invention combines them into one swivel assembly that can rotate to expose either connector, simplifying the user experience while supporting multiple connector types.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel structure serves multiple functions: it protects both USB and Lightning connectors, provides rotational access to either connector type, and integrates multiple protective functions into a single mechanism, reducing the complexity of managing multiple separate caps.
3Ease of operation
If the protective cap is frequently removed and reattached, then the electrical connector can be accessed for data transfer, but the risk of damaging the electrical connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective mechanism is made dynamic through the swivel motion, allowing smooth rotational access to the connector. This dynamic design enables easy connector exposure while maintaining a secure connection that prevents accidental drops or damage compared to completely removable caps.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel structure provides preliminary protection by maintaining the cap in a connected state throughout the opening/closing process. The rotational mechanism ensures the cap never completely detaches, preventing the harmful action of cap loss that could lead to connector damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable data storage device that has a main housing, a data storage module mounted in the main housing, a first protective swivel, and a second protective swivel. The data storage module has a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. The first protective swivel is U-shaped and has two ends pivotally connected to the main housing. The second protective swivel is U-shaped and has two ends pivotally connected to the first protective swivel. The first protective swivel and the second protective swivel are not removed from the main housing before using the portable data storage device, thus preventing from being loss. The first protective swivel and the second protective swivel cover the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector respectively and protect the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector from being damaged.