Magnetic Connector for Electronic Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic blocks face challenges such as difficult splicing, high electricity consumption, damage-prone snap fasteners, limited connection diversity, and inability to be attracted to magnetic surfaces, limiting their usability and entertainment value.
Innovation Solution
The magnetically connected block uses conductive coatings and magnets for electrical conduction and attraction, allowing for multiple angle connections and reduced resistance, with rotatable magnets and elastic connectors for enhanced stability and diversity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If snap fasteners are used as conductive connectors, then electrical connection is achieved, but electricity consumption increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical snap fastener system with a magnetic connection system. The magnetic connector uses magnetic attraction forces to hold blocks together and establish electrical connections, eliminating the need for mechanical snapping actions. This substitution reduces contact resistance and power consumption while improving connection reliability through the inherent holding force of magnets.
2Reliability
If snap fasteners are used as connectors, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connectors are easy to be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connector replaces the mechanical snap fastener system, eliminating moving parts and snap actions that are prone to damage. The magnetic connection provides a robust, damage-resistant interface that maintains electrical conductivity without the fragility of traditional mechanical connectors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single connections of snap fasteners are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but connection diversity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connector incorporates a rotatable magnet that can freely rotate within the connector body. This dynamic feature allows the magnetic pole to automatically align with contact surfaces at various angles, enabling diverse connection orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, etc.) without requiring different connector types. The rotational freedom provides adaptability while maintaining a simple single-connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connector serves multiple functions: it provides magnetic attraction for holding blocks, establishes electrical conduction through the conductive device, and enables various connection angles through magnet rotation. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized connectors, increasing connection diversity while simplifying the overall system.
4Ease of operation
If traditional electronic blocks are used, then splicing is achieved, but the splicing method is not easy and convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connector replaces the complex mechanical snap fastener system that required installation bases and precise alignment. The magnetic attraction provides automatic alignment and holding force, allowing blocks to be easily connected by simply bringing them close together. This eliminates the need for installation bases and complex splicing procedures, significantly improving ease of operation.
5Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electronic blocks are used, then connection is achieved, but blocks cannot be attracted onto magnetic surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connector not only provides connection between blocks but also enables magnetic attraction to external magnetic surfaces such as whiteboards or magnetic boards. This additional functionality allows the blocks to be displayed or stored on magnetic surfaces, expanding the application environment without requiring additional components or increasing the footprint of stationary objects.
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 simplifies the splicing process, reduces electricity consumption, and increases connection diversity and stability, enabling more complex and engaging electronic block configurations while lowering magnetic field intensity requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet is provided in the cavity; blocks can be attracted onto a magnetic attraction board surface
Implementation Method 2
the electrically conductive connector achieves the electrical conduction between blocks by means of the conductive device
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Disclosed is a magnetically connected block, including an electrically conductive connector (1), the electrically conductive connector (1) defining therein a cavity (11) and a magnet (2) being arranged in the cavity (11), the electrically conductive connector (1) being provided with a contact surface (12) and a conductive device being provided on the contact surface (12). In this way, the electrically conductive connector (1) achieves the electrical conduction between blocks by means of the conductive device and achieves the connection between two blocks by means of the magnet (2)to ensure the connection by attraction and the electrical connection between blocks. Owing to the arrangement of the magnet (2), blocks can be attracted onto a magnetic attraction board surface to facilitate teaching use.