Removable Protector for USB Cable Junction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power cables with plugs, particularly USB cables, frequently fail at the junction location due to fraying and crimping from repetitive use and movement, leading to premature failure, with existing solutions being insufficient in preventing these issues consistently.

Innovation Solution

A removable and replaceable protector system comprising a resiliently-flexible sleeve with a longitudinal slit and a resiliently-rigid clip with a longitudinal slot, which frictionally engages the cable and plug, providing protection and allowing for easy replacement without damaging the cable or plug.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid extension is added to the plug to prevent fraying, then the strength at the junction is improved, but the flexibility and ease of movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejunction strengthVSAvoidcable flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible protective sleeve made of resilient material that covers the junction area. This sleeve provides strength and fraying prevention while maintaining cable flexibility, resolving the contradiction between junction strength and cable flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protective assembly combines multiple materials with different properties: a resilient flexible sleeve for protection and flexibility, and a rigid clip for structural support. This composite structure achieves both strength and flexibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a protective structure is added to prevent fraying, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable durabilityVSAvoidprotector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective structure is divided into separate modular components: a flexible sleeve and a rigid clip. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently and enables easy assembly and disassembly, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the cable and the rigid clip, providing a simple interface that connects the two components. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall structure by creating clear functional boundaries between components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If a permanent protective structure is integrated into the cable, then the strength is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejunction protectionVSAvoidreplacement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The protective structure transitions from a static permanent integration to a dynamic removable assembly. The flexible sleeve and rigid clip can be independently removed and replaced, allowing easy repair while maintaining protective function. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The modular protective components can be discarded when worn or damaged and replaced with new ones. The cable itself remains intact and can be recovered, separating the consumable protective elements from the valuable cable, thus improving ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 protector system enhances the longevity and functionality of power cables by shielding the junction area from damage, allowing for easy replacement of worn parts and reducing the risk of fraying and crimping, thereby extending the cable's useful life.

Implementation Method 1

The resiliently-flexible sleeve frictionally engages at least one of the cable and the plug when the resiliently-flexible sleeve is positioned over the cable and the plug

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The resiliently-rigid clip frictionally engages the resiliently-flexible sleeve when the resiliently-rigid clip is positioned over the resiliently-flexible sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a resiliently-flexible sleeve positionable over the cable and the plug, including at a junction location where the cable joins the plug

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

a resiliently-rigid clip positionable over the resiliently-flexible sleeve and super imposed over the plug. The resiliently-rigid clip has a longitudinal slot extending along the resiliently-rigid clip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11276953B2Removable-replaceable protector and method

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 MEYER LUKE A

AI summary

A removable-replaceable protector for a cable secured to a plug. The protector includes a resiliently-flexible sleeve positionable over the cable and the plug, the sleeve having a longitudinal slit extending along the sleeve. The protector also includes a resiliently-rigid clip positionable over the resiliently-flexible sleeve and super imposed over the plug, the clip having a longitudinal slot extending along the clip.