I created this cable protector because Apple wires are often very thin and prone to snapping from even minor bends, or
the top half can crack from accidental mishandling so it’s frustrating to see. Tired of constantly using electrical tape?
Here’s my prototype! While this isn’t an entirely original idea, it was inspired by several creators who have already
launched similar products.
`
●・○・●・○・●●・○・●・○・●
For the initial sketch, I envisioned a spring which is something flexible and durable that would protect the wire from physical
damage (water excluded). It fulfills its purpose well. The spring has a diameter of 0.5 cm and a thickness of 0.112 cm.
I opted for a square spring, as a circular one didn’t seem ideal in my opinion.
In fusion, I used the coil option in the toolbar menu under create.
Here’s why Prototype A didn’t work. The teacher pointed out that the spring wouldn’t hold up in 3D printing. Thus, it wouldn’t
stand on its own and would move around without a strong base. Even with a base, the shape was too difficult to print. As
a result, I decided to move on to Plan B.
Maintaining the shape of the plug, I first created a case for it before adding the spring on top for the wire. I began
with a pill-shaped sketch as the starting point.
After extruding the shape, I rounded off the edges for a cleaner finish.
Like so
I applied the same spring concept to this prototype, attaching it on top of the encasement.
(the case in question)tada!! now the prototype b is done!
Here are the models side by side. I showed them to my teacher, and since the design was still risky to print, I modified
the shape and the top to make it more polygonal and fully enclosed (no more spring prototype 😞). However, this version
was designed to accommodate Lightning, USB-A, and USB-C cables (for older iPhones and newer iPads).
Prototype C (final decision)
