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 and their accessories.
Innovation Solution
An auto-aligning and connecting structure utilizing magnetic units on two surfaces, where the magnetic attraction facilitates both 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 traditional connectors (mortises and tenon joints) are used to connect electronic devices and accessories, then connection and alignment can be achieved, but the connector structure becomes too complicated, fragile, and large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical connector system (mortises and tenon joints) with a magnetic field-based connection system. Magnetic units are embedded in both the electronic device and accessory, creating automatic alignment and connection through magnetic attraction without requiring complex mechanical interlocking structures. This substitution eliminates the complexity and fragility of mechanical connectors while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic units as an intermediary mechanism between the electronic device and accessory. These magnetic units serve as the mediating force that enables both alignment and connection, replacing the need for direct mechanical contact and complex connector structures. The magnetic field acts as the intermediary that facilitates the connection process automatically.
2Reliability
If traditional connectors are used, then connection can be established, but the connector is too large for modern portable electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical connector with magnetic units, the patent dramatically reduces the size required for connection. The magnetic units can be embedded as small components within the device and accessory bodies, eliminating the need for large external connector structures. This enables compact design suitable for portable electronic devices while maintaining stable connection through magnetic attraction force.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required for accessory coupling, then connection accuracy can be achieved, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic units automatically perform the alignment function through magnetic attraction. When the accessory approaches the electronic device, the magnetic fields interact to guide and align the components precisely without requiring external alignment mechanisms or complex positioning structures. The system self-aligns through the physical interaction of the magnetic units, simplifying the overall structure while achieving precise coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment mechanisms with magnetic field-based alignment. The magnetic attraction force naturally guides the accessory into proper alignment with the electronic device, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guides, slots, or positioning features. This substitution achieves precise alignment while maintaining simple structure.
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, proper, and sturdy connection and disconnection of accessories to electronic devices, addressing the complexity and fragility issues of traditional connectors while ensuring compatibility and functionality.
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
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.