Flush Contacts with Magnetic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physical connectors for electronic devices are prone to corrosion, occupy significant real estate, and detract from the aesthetic appearance, while also requiring alignment features for proper mating.
Innovation Solution
A corrosion-resistant physical connector with contacts that are flush or recessed relative to the exterior surface, using a nonconductive material to insulate contacts and incorporating magnetic alignment features for proper alignment with accessory devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional physical connectors are used, then reliable electrical connections can be established, but the connectors are prone to corrosion and occupy significant real estate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential electrical connection function from the traditional connector housing, leaving only the necessary contacts embedded directly in the device surface. This eliminates the need for separate connector bodies, reducing the area occupied while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the exposed contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into individual contacts that are embedded in the device surface rather than using a single integrated connector housing. This segmentation allows each contact to be positioned precisely and reduces the overall area required while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
2Reliability
If conventional physical connectors are used, then electrical connections can be established, but they detract from the aesthetic appearance of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical contacts with the device surface by embedding them flush with the exterior. This integration makes the contacts less visually prominent and blends them into the overall device design, improving aesthetic appearance while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the exposed contact surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If alignment features are incorporated into the connector, then proper mating with accessory devices can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment features with simple geometric alignment based on the arrangement of embedded contacts. The contacts themselves serve as alignment references, eliminating the need for separate mechanical alignment structures and reducing overall device complexity while ensuring proper mating with accessory devices.
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 a compact, aesthetically pleasing connector that ensures reliable electrical connections without the need for extensive alignment features, reducing corrosion risks and maintaining a seamless exterior surface.
Implementation Method 1
an alignment feature, such as a magnet or an array of magnets, can be incorporated into the connector. The alignment feature cooperates with a corresponding alignment feature in the accessory electronic device so that the contacts in the host electronic device are properly aligned with the contacts in the accessory electronic device during a mating event
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprising a device enclosure having an exterior surface; a contact area positioned at the exterior surface and having first and second ends, the contact area having a plurality of contacts arranged between the first and second ends and substantially flush with the exterior surface; and an alignment feature within the enclosure comprising first and second magnets positioned on opposing sides of the contact area, the first magnet positioned adjacent to the first end of the contact area and the second magnet positioned adjacent to the second end of the contact area.