Magnetic Circuit for Thin Electronic Device Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with thin form factors face challenges in maintaining reliable connector contacts and magnetic attachment due to reduced space, leading to issues with spring-loaded contacts and magnetic force, which can result in damage and inoperability when high currents flow through the spring.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of spring-biased contacts with an intermediate object between the plunger and spring, and an improved magnetic circuit using a magnet array with alternating magnet polarities and a magnetically conductive attraction plate, allowing for strong attachment and reduced impedance, while protecting the spring from excessive current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If spring-loaded contacts are used in thin connector receptacles, then the connector can be compact, but the spring may be damaged by high currents flowing through it
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetically conductive attraction plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the magnet array and the connector insert. This plate serves as a mediator that carries the magnetic attachment force while providing a separate current path, thereby protecting the spring-loaded contact from high currents. The attraction plate is magnetically attracted to the magnet array, enabling strong attachment without requiring the spring to conduct high currents.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector receptacle is made thinner, then the device form factor is improved, but sufficient magnetic force to hold the connector insert becomes difficult to provide
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic circuit is segmented into distinct components: a magnet array, a magnetically conductive attraction plate, and magnetic return paths. This segmentation allows the magnetic force to be concentrated at the attachment interface while the return paths are routed through available space in the thin receptacle structure. The attraction plate acts as a focused magnetic flux conductor, providing strong holding force in a compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic circuit utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by routing magnetic return paths through the thickness and lateral dimensions of the thin receptacle. Instead of requiring a large planar area, the magnetic flux is guided through available volumetric space, allowing strong magnetic attachment forces to be achieved within a thin profile by exploiting the third dimension.
3Reliability
If spring-loaded contacts are used, then electrical connection is established, but contact between the plunger and barrel may be broken causing current to flow through the spring
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetically conductive attraction plate serves as an intermediary current carrier that is magnetically attracted to the magnet array. This intermediary provides a dedicated current path for high currents, separating the current-carrying function from the spring-loaded contact mechanism. The spring maintains mechanical contact and electrical connection reliability, while the attraction plate handles high current flow, preventing damage to the spring.
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 provides reliable and durable connector systems capable of handling high currents without damaging the spring, ensuring consistent operation in thin electronic devices with enhanced magnetic attachment and reduced impedance.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet array with alternating magnet polarities and a magnetically conductive attraction plate, allowing for strong attachment
Implementation Method 2
improved magnetic circuit using a magnet array with alternating magnet polarities and a magnetically conductive attraction plate
Implementation Method 3
a spring-loaded contact can have a reduced reliability, particularly if currents for a power supply flow through the spring
Data Source
AI summary
Connector inserts having reliable contacts, as well as connector receptacles having improved magnetic circuits for use in electronic devices having a thin form factor. These and other examples can provide connector receptacles that can be easily aligned to an opening in an electronic device, as well as connector inserts and connector receptacles that can be readily manufactured.