Swivel Connector Holder for Easier Video Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operation of laying cables connected to a device holder can be troublesome due to the fixed positioning of connectors, which may require complex cable routing when the device holder is placed relative to a video display device.

Innovation Solution

A device holder and holding system that allows the portable electronic device to be held at an angle relative to the placement surface, with swivel blocks and guide parts that facilitate cable management and connector alignment, reducing the complexity of cable layout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the connector is fixed to a specific position of the device holder, then the structure is simple, but the cable routing becomes troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector positioning structureVSAvoidcable routing operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is made rotatable relative to the device holder body through a rotation mechanism, allowing it to change its facing direction dynamically. This enables the connector to be positioned at different locations (first location facing first direction, second location facing second direction) to accommodate different cable routing needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the connector is placed at the right side surface of the device holder, then the structure is compact, but the cable laying becomes troublesome when the video display device is disposed at the left side

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice holder compactnessVSAvoidcable laying operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector can rotate between different orientations, allowing it to face either the right side or left side of the device holder. This dynamic positioning capability enables compact placement while providing flexibility to route cables to video display devices positioned at different locations, eliminating the cable laying trouble described in the problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the connector position is fixed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to different placement scenarios is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector assembly simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different placement scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation mechanism allows the connector to be manufactured in a fixed position relative to the holder body but dynamically repositioned during use. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving adaptability to different placement scenarios through the ability to rotate the connector to face different directions based on where the video display device is positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector serves multiple functions by being able to face different directions, making the device holder adaptable to various placement scenarios (video display device at left side, right side, or different positions) without requiring multiple different connector positions, thus achieving multi-functionality with a single connector assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3940284B1Device holder and device holding system
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP3940284B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3940284B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3940284B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device holder 1 holds a portable electronic device 100 provided with a display 110 at its front surface. The device holder is provided with: a main body 10 for holding the portable electronic device in a state with the portable electronic device placed with one side surface downward; and, a swivel block 60 attached to the main body to be able to swivel. The main body is provided with a main body connector which is connected to a device connector provided at the side surface of the portable electronic device. The swivel block is provided at one side surface thereof with an external connector for video output for outputting video data. The swivel block is able to swivel between a first swivel position where the side surface, with which the external connector for video output is provided, faces a first side surface side of the main body and a second swivel position where the side surface, with which the external connector for video output is provided, faces a second side surface side at an opposite side to the first side surface of the main body.