Magnetic Auto-Aligning Connector for Portable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for electronic devices and their accessories are often too complex, fragile, and large, failing to meet the connectivity and alignment needs of modern portable electronic devices, which require a simpler, lighter, and easier-to-fabricate solution for proper alignment and connection.
Innovation Solution
An auto-aligning and connecting structure utilizing a plurality of magnetic units on two surfaces, where the magnetic attraction facilitates alignment and connection, with optional magneto-resistance layers to minimize interference with electronic components and non-magnetic assistant structures for easier alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors such as mortises and tenon joints are used to connect electronic devices and accessories, then connection and alignment can be achieved, but the structure becomes too complicated, too fragile, and too large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connectors (mortises and tenon joints) with a magnetic field-based connection system. Magnetic units generate magnetic force to achieve both connection and alignment functions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical structures. This substitution reduces structural complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the invisible magnetic field interaction between the electronic device and accessory.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional connectors are used to ensure proper alignment and connection, then connectivity needs are met, but the connector size becomes too large for modern portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection system replaces bulky mechanical alignment features with magnetic field guidance. The magnetic force naturally guides the accessory into proper alignment with the electronic device, achieving precise positioning without requiring large mechanical alignment structures. This reduces the overall connector volume while maintaining manufacturing precision through magnetic field distribution control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter from mechanical contact to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic field strength and distribution as the controlling parameter instead of mechanical geometry, the system achieves precise alignment with minimal physical structure. The magnetic units can be made very small while still providing sufficient alignment force and precision.
3Ease of operation
If conventional connectors are used to facilitate connection, then connectivity is achieved, but the structure becomes too fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection system replaces fragile mechanical joints with a magnetic field-based bonding mechanism. The magnetic force provides a strong, distributed holding force that is more resistant to mechanical stress and impact than traditional connectors. The connection is made and broken simply by bringing the magnetic units close or separating them, improving ease of operation while significantly enhancing connection strength and durability.
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
Enables quick and proper connection and disconnection of accessories to electronic devices, ensuring alignment and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity and compatibility with electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
some of the plurality of the second magnetic units and some of the first magnetic units are aligned and mutually attracted such that the second surface is attracted to connect to the first surface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An auto-aligning and connecting structure used to connect and align an electronic device and an accessory, wherein a plurality of first magnetic bodies are disposed on a first surface of the electrical device and a plurality of second magnetic bodies are disposed on a second surface of the accessory. The magnetic pole of the first magnetic bodies and the second magnetic bodies are appropriately arranged so the first magnetic bodies and the second magnetic bodies can attract each other when the first surface and the second surface approach each other. Then, the electronic device and the accessories are connected to each other when the first surface and the second surface connect.