Adapter Coupler for Magnetic Breakaway Camera Power Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power connectors for cameras are inefficient and pose safety risks due to their inability to quickly and securely connect and disconnect from external cabled power sources, especially in fast-paced motion picture filmmaking scenarios where cameras need to be mobile and frequently repositioned, leading to potential damage from accidental tugging on the power cables.
Innovation Solution
A novel adapter coupler that hybridizes traditional power connectors with magnetic breakaway technology, allowing for rapid and secure connection and disconnection, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational efficiency by integrating magnetic quick breakaway and reattachment capabilities into existing industry-standard power connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power connectors are used for camera power supply, then secure power connection is achieved, but connection and disconnection speed is slow and risk of accidental damage is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical locking mechanism of power connectors with a magnetic field-based connection system. The magnetic connector uses magnetic attraction forces to achieve secure connection without mechanical interlocking, allowing for rapid connection and disconnection while maintaining reliable power transfer. This substitution of mechanical system with magnetic field system directly resolves the contradiction between connection security and connection speed.
2Reliability
If traditional power connectors are used for camera power supply, then stable power transfer is achieved, but risk of connector damage from cable tugging is high
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connector system replaces mechanical locking with magnetic field engagement, eliminating the rigid mechanical connection that is vulnerable to cable tugging forces. The magnetic field can maintain electrical connection while allowing slight movement, preventing the abrupt stress transfer that causes traditional connector damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connector design inherently provides a cushioning effect through the magnetic field's ability to maintain connection during minor movements. The magnetic attraction force acts as a buffer that absorbs sudden tugging forces before they can reach the connector body, preventing damage in advance.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If camera remains plugged into external power source during movement, then continuous power supply is maintained, but risk of accidental connector damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connector introduces dynamic characteristics to the power connection, allowing the connector to adapt to movement and repositioning. The magnetic field maintains electrical connection while accommodating positional changes, enabling the camera to remain powered during controlled movements without the rigid constraints of traditional mechanical connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the static mechanical locking system with a dynamic magnetic field system, the connector can maintain power supply during movement while reducing damage risk. The magnetic field's flexibility allows the connection to survive accidental bumps or movements that would damage traditional connectors.
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 enables faster and more reliable power management for cameras, reducing the risk of connector damage and enhancing overall workflow efficiency by allowing quick and secure power connections and disconnections, even during frequent movement and repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic quick breakaway and reattachment capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter coupler for hybridization of power connectors includes a threaded back nut a threaded retaining ring and a scheme for modification of existing incompatible power connectors. The threaded back nut has an outer flange face and is affixed using its internal threading to a power connector. The threaded retaining ring slips over a power connector and back nut interfacing with the back nut flange face and allowing the assembly to be affixed using its internal threading to a magnetic breakaway connector. The modification scheme retrofits the power connector and magnetic breakaway connector with new internal profiles and electrical connections to achieve a unified power connector hybridization. This enables the hybrid connector to be superimposed over a device's inbuilt power connection terminal and provide the benefits of a magnetic breakaway connector where this functionality was previously incompatible. Devices, in particular motion-picture cameras, are thus made to be more efficient in the connection and disconnection of external cabled power sources and therefore faster and more convenient to operate during filming.