Self-Retracting Arm Keeps Cables Safe and Tidy

Industrial & Engineering

Flexible cables—such as charging cables for electric vehicles or hoses for temporary water or gas supplies—often become a hassle. They can sag, drag on the ground, cause tripping hazards, or get damaged. Current swivel arm systems help, but they don’t stay neatly in place, require manual repositioning, and have limited reach.

The Innovation

This invention introduces a smarter, self-managing holding arm for flexible cables. It attaches to a wall or corner and features a swivel arm with a telescopic extension. Thanks to clever design angles and gravity, the arm automatically swings back into a rest position when not in use—no motors or manual repositioning needed. It can extend to offer a longer reach and retracts by itself once tension is gone.

Inventive Step

What sets this design apart is the combination of:

  • a slightly tilted joint axis (just a few degrees),
  • a gravity-assisted telescopic rail, and
  • a unique overload protection mechanism at the cable suspension point.
    The angled design lets gravity do the work—automatically returning the arm to its resting place and retracting the telescopic rail. The safety mechanism uses a rubber grommet inside a slotted eyelet, which releases under excessive force to prevent damage or injury.

Benefits

  • No manual repositioning needed
  • Keeps cables clean and off the ground
  • Extends to reach distant connection points
  • Retracts automatically when not in use
  • Prevents breakage or injury in overload scenarios
  • Durable and reusable even after safety-triggered release

Broader Impact

This invention simplifies the handling of power or fluid cables in homes, EV stations, and industrial settings. It enhances safety, reduces cable wear, and supports clean, organized setups—especially valuable as electric vehicle and temporary supply systems become more common.