Tool Cabinet Cord Winder Retracting Power Cords
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool cabinets with extension cords often lead to inefficiencies due to cord misplacement and clutter, hindering the working process as workers may forget the cord's location, resulting in a disorganized and less efficient working environment.
Innovation Solution
A tool cabinet with a built-in cord winder and power strip system, where the power cord is retractable into the cabinet, using a resilient member to bias the plug portion back into a retracted position, keeping the working area clear and organized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If extension cords are used for power connection in working areas, then power tools can be operated, but the working area becomes cluttered and workers may forget cord positions
Solution Approach 1:
The extension cord is extracted from the working area and relocated to the cabinet body. The cord winder stores the cord internally, separating the power supply function from the working space, thereby eliminating cord clutter while maintaining power tool operability
Solution Approach 2:
The extension cord is nested within the cabinet body through the cord winder mechanism. The cord can be wound and stored inside the cabinet when not in use, creating a compact nested arrangement that keeps the working area clear
2Productivity
If extension cords are deployed for power connection, then power tools can be operated, but the working process becomes inefficient due to cord management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The cord winder incorporates a resilient member that automatically biases the plug portion toward the retracted position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual cord winding and management, allowing workers to focus on their primary tasks without time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The cord is pre-positioned with the plug portion exposed from the first opening, allowing immediate connection to power tools. The resilient member is pre-configured to automatically return the cord to its stored position, eliminating subsequent management steps
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 keeps the working environment clutter-free, efficiently uses internal space, and maintains a neat appearance by retracting the power cord, ensuring easy access and retraction of power tools without external cord clutter.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member is connected between the casing and the rotating seat... The resilient member is disposed for biasing the plug portion toward the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A tool cabinet includes a cabinet body, a plurality of storage members, an input device, and an output device. The cabinet body has first and second openings. The input device includes a cord winder and a power cord. The power cord has a plug portion exposed from the first opening, and a cord portion connected between the cord winder and the plug portion. At least a portion of the cord portion is pulled out of the first opening when the plug portion is moved to a non-retracted position. The cord winder includes a resilient member for biasing the plug portion toward a retracted position. The output device includes a power strip electrically connected to the power cord, and having a plurality of sockets that is exposed from the second opening.