USB Port Cable Storage Assembly with Spring-Loaded Damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle USB charge cords often exceed the necessary length, leading to untidiness and potential damage due to being pinched between vehicle components, which interferes with driver control access and operation.
Innovation Solution
A USB port and cable storage assembly with a displaceable cord cleat and actuator, featuring a spring-loaded damper and guideway with opposed rails and stops, allowing efficient stowage and deployment of the USB port and cable, keeping the cord organized and protected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a long charge cord is provided to reach the electronic device, then the charging function is ensured, but the cord becomes untidy and may interfere with driver controls
Solution Approach 1:
The USB port is extracted from the fixed housing and mounted on a movable cord cleat that can be deployed only when needed. This allows the charging function to be available while keeping the port hidden and the cord managed when not in use, eliminating the interference problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord cleat is designed to be displaceable between stowed and deployed positions, allowing the USB port to dynamically change position. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt between providing charging access and maintaining a tidy, non-interfering appearance.
2Ease of operation
If the USB port is always accessible, then charging convenience is improved, but the cord may become damaged from being pinched
Solution Approach 1:
The USB port is extracted from the permanent structure and placed on a movable cord cleat. This separation allows the port to be hidden when not in use, preventing the cord from being pinched between vehicle components while maintaining full accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable cord cleat proactively prevents cord damage by keeping the USB port hidden and the cord retracted when charging is not in progress, eliminating the harmful pinching action before it can occur.
3Shape
If the USB port is hidden when not in use, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but accessibility when needed must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The cord cleat with USB port can be quickly deployed from a hidden stowed position to an accessible deployed position. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain aesthetic appearance when not in use while providing immediate accessibility when charging is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes an actuator that automatically displaces the cord cleat to the deployed position when activated, making the transition from hidden to accessible state convenient and requiring minimal user effort.
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 provides a tidy and protected charging solution, preventing cord damage and interference with vehicle controls by allowing easy deployment and stowage of the USB port and cable, maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance while ensuring efficient cable management.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator may be a spring-loaded damper
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus in the form of a USB port and cable storage assembly includes a housing, a displaceable cord cleat and a USB port carried on the cord cleat. The housing includes a cleat receiver and opposed stop receivers. The cord cleat includes a stem and a faceplate. The apparatus also includes an actuator, displacing the cord cleat toward a deployed position, a guideway on the housing and the cord cleat and a cord receiver along an outer edge of the faceplate.