Electrical Connector Haptic Feedback via Magnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigidly or semi-rigidly mounted electrical connectors pose challenges in ensuring proper alignment and connection, as they lack effective feedback mechanisms to confirm initial alignment and full mating.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnets and magnetically permeable materials to provide sensory feedback, such as a 'click' sound and vibration, indicating proper alignment and connection between connector parts, with a sensory feedback member and actuation element that move magnetically to signal initial and full mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid or semi-rigid mounted connectors are used, then connection stability is improved, but alignment confirmation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using a sensory feedback member (magnet) that provides audible and tactile confirmation when the connector is properly aligned and mated. The magnetic interaction between the actuation element in the first connector part and the sensory feedback member in the second connector part creates a detectable signal that confirms proper connection, resolving the difficulty of detecting alignment in rigid mounted connectors.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sensory feedback mechanisms are added to confirm connection, then alignment detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical feedback mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. The actuation element and sensory feedback member utilize magnetic attraction and repulsion forces to provide connection confirmation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, switches, or sensors while achieving reliable alignment detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or properties of materials to achieve the feedback function. By using magnetically permeable materials with specific magnetic properties for the actuation element and sensory feedback member, the system achieves reliable detection through changes in magnetic field interaction as the connectors mate, providing feedback without mechanical complexity.
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 clear audible and tactile feedback to users, ensuring proper alignment and connection of electrical power or data connectors, enhancing user confidence in the connection's establishment.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation element and the sensory feedback member are magnetically interactive with one another (i.e. attractive or repellant). The actuation element is configured to force the sensory feedback member to move between the retracted position and the extended position upon mating engagement of the first and second connector parts.
Implementation Method 2
The sensory feedback member generates an audible sound or a tactile sensation upon moving between the retracted position and the extended position.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector including first and second connector parts configured for mating together, and with one of the connector parts having a sensory feedback member that moves between an extended position and a retracted position as a result of magnetic interaction with an actuation element in the other connector part during mating of the connector parts. The movement of the sensory feedback member causes a sensory feedback indication, such as an audible sound or a tactile vibration.