Electromagnetic Connector Locking for High-Density Monitoring Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced physiological monitoring systems require high pin density connectors, which pose challenges in ease of connection/disconnection, connection integrity, cost, and durability due to high demands on connector mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic connector system utilizing electromagnets, permanent magnets, magnetically permeable materials, and air gaps to auto-align, attach, and release connectors, ensuring easy use, durability, and low cost, particularly suitable for handheld monitoring applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high pin density connectors are used in advanced physiological monitoring systems, then the capability to measure multiple blood parameters is improved, but the ease of connection and disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connector mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. Electromagnets generate magnetic fields that automatically align and secure high-pin-density connectors, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment and engagement mechanisms. This allows high pin density connectors to be connected and disconnected easily while maintaining the capability to measure multiple blood parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connector system performs automatic alignment and securing of connectors without requiring manual intervention for precise positioning. The magnetic field automatically guides the plug into the correct position within the receptacle, enabling the connector to self-align and self-secure, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining high pin density for multiple parameter measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high pin density connectors are used in advanced physiological monitoring systems, then the capability to measure multiple blood parameters is improved, but connection integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical retention mechanisms with electromagnetic attraction to secure high-pin-density connectors. The electromagnets generate consistent magnetic fields that uniformly hold all contacts in place, providing reliable connection integrity across all pins simultaneously. This ensures stable electrical connections for accurate measurement of multiple blood parameters without the variability associated with mechanical spring contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic field strength as a controllable parameter to optimize connection integrity. By adjusting the current through the electromagnet coils, the magnetic field strength can be optimized to provide sufficient holding force for all contacts simultaneously, ensuring reliable connection integrity while maintaining the high pin density required for multiple parameter measurement capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high pin density connectors are used in advanced physiological monitoring systems, then the capability to measure multiple blood parameters is improved, but connector cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electromagnets that serve multiple functions: they generate magnetic fields for automatic alignment, provide securing force for connection integrity, and enable easy release by de-energizing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical alignment features, retention springs, and release mechanisms, thereby reducing overall connector cost while maintaining the high pin density needed for multiple parameter measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical components such as precision alignment features, multiple spring contacts, and complex retention mechanisms with a more cost-effective electromagnetic system. The electromagnets and magnetically permeable materials provide the necessary functions at lower component cost and simpler manufacturing processes, making high pin density connectors more economically viable for advanced physiological monitoring applications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If high pin density connectors are used in advanced physiological monitoring systems, then the capability to measure multiple blood parameters is improved, but connector durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact and retention mechanisms with magnetic field-based interaction, eliminating wear from friction, contact pressure, and mechanical engagement. The electromagnetic attraction and release process causes no physical wear to the connector components, significantly extending connector durability while maintaining the high pin density required for measuring multiple blood parameters over extended periods.
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 magnetic connector system effectively manages high contact density with ease of use, durability, and low cost, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of physiological monitoring connections.
Implementation Method 1
The coil, the core and the air gap form a magnetic circuit so that energizing the coil creates a magnetic field in the air gap
Implementation Method 2
The receptacle core and the plug core are magnetically coupled so as to maintain the interconnection
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic connector has a plug core disposed around a plug contact set and a receptacle core disposed around a receptacle contact set. The plug core defines a generally elongated circular plug core edge. The receptacle core defines a generally elongated concentric-circular receptacle core edge. The receptacle core edge defines an air gap, and the plug core defines an anchor configured to insert into the air gap. A coil is disposed around the receptacle core, and the coil, the plug core and the air gap define a magnetic circuit. The coil is electrically energized so as to form a magnetic field within an air gap, lock the anchor within the air gap and lock the plug contact set to the receptacle contact set accordingly.