Slip Ring Reel Mechanism for Cord Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cord retraction and extension devices for vehicle entertainment systems are cumbersome, prone to entanglement, and lack improvements in weight and reliability, hindering passenger movement and increasing the risk of cord obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a housing with a slip ring and reel mechanism that allows for rotatable extension and retraction of a cord with internal wires, compatible with USB standards, and a sprocket system for guiding rotor leads, reducing the need for multiple chambers and minimizing cord length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cord retraction devices are used, then cord extension and retraction functionality is provided, but the devices are cumbersome and increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a housing containing a reel mechanism for cord storage and retrieval, a slip ring assembly for electrical connection, and a cord itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip ring is mounted within the housing, and the reel is also mounted within the same housing, creating a nested arrangement where multiple functional components are contained within a single external boundary. This nesting reduces the overall device footprint and simplifies the external structure.
2Reliability
If longer cords are used to prevent loss, then PCU security is improved, but passenger movement is hindered and entanglement risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cord length is made dynamic through the reel mechanism, which allows the cord to be extended when needed and automatically retracted when not in use. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between maintaining PCU security and preventing passenger entanglement, as the cord only occupies space when actively required.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel mechanism automatically recovers the cord after use by winding it back onto the spool. This recovery function ensures the cord is consistently returned to a compact state, preventing entanglement hazards while maintaining the ability to extend the cord when needed for PCU operation.
3Reliability
If multiple chambers are used in cord retraction devices, then cord management is improved, but weight and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (reel mechanism, slip ring, housing) are merged into a single integrated assembly. The reel and slip ring share the same housing and mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate chambers or housings for each component. This merging reduces overall device weight while maintaining effective cord management functionality.
4Reliability
If conventional slip ring designs are used, then electrical connection during rotation is provided, but reliability and weight can be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical contact-based slip ring is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets are arranged on the rotor and stator to create magnetic fields that transfer rotational motion and electrical signals without direct mechanical contact. This substitution improves reliability by eliminating wear from contact friction and reduces weight by using magnetic fields instead of heavy mechanical contact components.
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 enhances reliability and reduces weight by eliminating the need for multiple chambers, minimizing cord entanglement, and providing a more efficient, compact electrical connection system for vehicle entertainment systems.
Implementation Method 1
The stator includes a contact for each annular section in sliding electrical engagement with the annular section
Implementation Method 2
The cord being retracted into the housing when the reel rotates in one direction to wind the cord around the reel
Implementation Method 3
a spring or other resiliently deformable member employed to bias the reel to rotate in a direction retracting the cord
Data Source
AI summary
An extension and retraction device including a housing and a slip ring mounted within the housing. The slip ring includes a stator and rotor rotatably mounted therein. The rotor includes rotor leads and annular sections defined circumferentially around the rotor. Each rotor lead includes opposite ends with one end electrically connected to one of the annular sections. The stator includes a contact for each annular section in sliding electrical engagement with the annular section. Each contact includes a stator lead having one end electrically connected to the stator and another end extending out of an opening of the housing. A reel is mounted within the housing with the reel and rotor rotatable about a substantially common axis. A cord extending through another opening of the housing is retracted into the housing when the reel rotates in one direction, and the cord is extended from the housing when the cord is pulled and the reel rotates in the opposite direction.