Handyman’s Hide Away Retractable Extension Cord

Product Overview

“Don’t make your project fit your work station, let your work station fits your project”

Having extension cords hanging out of the wall can become hazardous and can become a mess in little time. The Handyman’s Hide Away Retractable Extension Cord solves those problems. This product is designed specifically for garage and shop uses. The outlet gets mounted at the same height that normal light switches are mounted. A cord runs down the wall to a retractable reel. The retractable wheel eliminates the tangle and mess that often happens with cords. In front of the reel, there is an access door that allows a person to service the reel, cord and other wires. The retractable extension cord has the ability to run 110V and 220V at the flip of a switch for the convenience of the user. 110V can run power tools such as drills and grinders. 220V can run equipment such as welders and air compressors.

At first I just brought up to my team of an in wall extension cord with an on off switch for garage or shop use. My dad came up with the idea to have the switch used to change it from 110V to 220V so it can be used for a variety of uses.

Challenges

At first I came up with just the cord on the retractable wheel. The challenge that arose with that is that it would be difficult to service or fix any problems that come up. So my team and I brainstormed ideas and decided to put them on the ground inside the wall with a door for easy access. Another challenge that came up was being able to switch from 110V to 220V. Originally we decided on an adapter plug but then we decided that it would be easy to misplace and it was just another thing that a person would have to deal with. To make it easier for the customer we decided instead of an on off switch, it would be a switch that could convert from one to the other. After deciding that, we had the challenge of wiring the switch so that it would convert from one to the other.

Five Phases

Visualize the Ideals- The original idea was to eliminate tangled mess of extension cords by somehow putting the cord in the wall on a retractable reel which allows for easy storage and use.

Measure the Gaps- My group and I spent a lot of time brainstorming ideas to achieve our goal. We needed to determine what size the cavity is needed in the wall and length of cord. We had to figure in production cost and cost to install everything. Would this product be worth the customer’s time and at what price would it be worth it?

Strategize the Approaches- My team and I decided that I would not be cost effective to have just a 110V extension cord and customers would always be looking for the adapter that changes it to 220V. Because of this we came up of the idea of on cord that could work for both 110V and 220V with a flip of a switch.

Projectize the Details- My team and I determined that to keep cost down for the consumer there needed to be a service door in the wall where the reel and wiring is located for easy access and proper maintenance on everything. When installing this product we would need to have a licensed electrician. We would also have to determine if it needs to be retro fitted or in new construction.

Orchestrate the Results- My group and I set up specific days where we could meet in order to work on this project based on specific goals we made to make this product come alive.

Technology Challenges

Most of my team members were able to use the technology but one of my team members rarely use the computer so trying to bring them up to speed on the technology used was difficult.

Technology in Workplace

Using technology like this would work great for a group of employees working on a project. It would make it easy for them to post their ideas without having to meet every time someone has an idea. The group would then set up specific dates where they could meet and discuss the postings made on the various technologies used. A challenge with using technology like these would be making sure everyone is checking the postings. Another challenge would be bring people who do not know how to use the technology up to speed.

Team

Renee (mom)

Bob (dad)

Emily (girlfriend)

My team and I met in person based on our schedules and would text when we couldn’t meet.