Magnetic Accessory Coupling for Mobile Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile electronic units face challenges in accommodating additional functionalities due to limited space, often requiring multiple connectors or ports that can lead to poor performance, intermittent operation, and damage issues.

Innovation Solution

A mobile unit with a housing featuring a ferro-magnetic frame that magnetically couples with accessories, enabling wireless communication through inductive, capacitive, or optical coupling for data and power exchange, eliminating the need for physical connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors or ports are included to receive accessories, then accessory functionality is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to poor performance, intermittent operation, and damage issues

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessory functionalityVSAvoidConnector performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connectors and ports with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic frame couples accessories to the mobile unit through magnetic attraction forces, eliminating the need for physical electrical connectors. This substitution resolves the reliability issues associated with mechanical connectors while maintaining accessory functionality through wireless power and data transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic frame acts as an intermediary component between the mobile unit and accessories. It provides a non-contact interface that enables power and data exchange through the housing, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct mechanical contact while maintaining functional connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the overall size of the mobile unit is kept small, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMobile unit sizeVSAvoidNumber of connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables magnetic coupling for accessory attachment, facilitates wireless power transfer, and enables data communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connectors, reducing device complexity while maintaining small form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple connectors (power, data, and mechanical attachment) into a single magnetic coupling interface. The magnetic frame integrates these functions, allowing accessories to be attached and powered simultaneously through one interface rather than requiring separate connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If connectors are used for accessory integration, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to damage risk and service requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessory integrationVSAvoidUser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system replaces mechanical connectors that require precise alignment and insertion. Users simply attach accessories near the magnetic frame, and magnetic attraction automatically pulls them into proper alignment and secure attachment, eliminating the complexity of connector insertion and reducing damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution allows for additional functionalities without compromising the mobile unit's performance, reduces the risk of damage, and simplifies accessory integration, ensuring seamless operation and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The frame includes a ferro-magnetic frame configured to magnetically couple with an accessory

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the wireless communication includes at least one of an inductive coupling, a capacitive coupling and an optical coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the wireless communication includes at least one of an inductive coupling, a capacitive coupling and an optical coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS7966040B2Magnetically attachable accessories for a mobile unit

Publication Date: 2011.06.21 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A mobile unit comprises a housing and a processor. The housing includes a frame configured to magnetically couple with an accessory. When the frame and the accessory are magnetically coupled, data signals and power are exchanged between the mobile unit and the accessory via a wireless communication where the wireless communication includes at least one of an inductive coupling, a capacitive coupling and an optical coupling. The processor is disposed within the housing to process the data signals and control the power being exchanged between the mobile unit and the accessory.