Magnetic Releasable Cable Connector for Damage-Free Breakaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communications networks, movable equipment can cause costly damage to cables and connectors due to the lack of a release mechanism, leading to pulling forces that disconnect cables from connectors or pull connectors out of wall plates.
Innovation Solution
A releasable connection system using magnetic components to provide a break-away coupling mechanism for cables, allowing for secure connection and easy release when a pulling force is applied, featuring a first and second housing with mating surfaces and retention mechanisms that include magnets to ensure secure yet damage-free disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional permanent connector is used to connect cables to equipment, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the equipment or wall plate may be damaged when the equipment is moved
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic releasable connection. The break-away mechanism allows the connector to remain secure during normal use but automatically release when subjected to excessive pulling forces, transforming the connection state based on applied stress conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The break-away mechanism is pre-designed with a predetermined failure point that absorbs excessive force before it can reach the infrastructure components. This preemptive design protects the wall plate and equipment by sacrificing the connector itself when abnormal forces are detected
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a break-away mechanism is added to allow easy release of connectors, then damage to infrastructure is prevented, but the connection security and reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates a specific force threshold parameter that distinguishes between normal operational forces and abnormal pulling forces. The break-away mechanism is calibrated to maintain connection integrity under normal conditions while releasing only when the applied force exceeds the predetermined threshold, thus preserving reliability for legitimate uses
3Stability of the object's composition
If connectors are made permanently fixed to ensure secure connection, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation for moving equipment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs the disconnection action automatically when excessive force is applied, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates by detecting abnormal pulling forces and autonomously releasing the connection, combining the stability of permanent fixtures with the mobility needs of movable equipment
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 magnetic retention mechanism ensures secure connectivity while allowing for safe and damage-free release of cables, preventing costly infrastructure damage when equipment is moved.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic force produced in response to the interaction may provide the releasable coupling of the first and second cables
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a releasable connection, which may include a first housing to couple to a first cable. The housing may include a mating surface to couple with a mating surface of a second housing that may couple to a second cable. The transmission components of the first cable may extend to the mating surface, to provide connection with respective transmission components of the second cable in response to a mating of the first and second mating surfaces. The connection may further include a retention mechanism, which may include a magnet component disposed on or in proximity to the mating surface, to interact with a corresponding magnet component of the second housing. A magnetic force produced in response to the interaction may provide the releasable coupling of the first and second cables. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.