Magnetic Circuit Design for Electrical Plug and Socket Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical outlet assemblies face inefficiencies in magnetic field confinement and bulkiness due to multiple air gaps and external magnetic yokes, leading to increased magnet usage and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design features annular ferromagnetic parts with strategically positioned permanent magnets and air gaps to create a magnetic circuit that confines the magnetic field effectively, reducing magnet usage and enhancing magnetic efficiency, with the option for rotating magnetic parts to ensure proper alignment and balanced force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a magnetic yoke is used to create a magnetic circuit between the plug and base, then the magnetic field is better confined, but the device becomes bulkier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnetic circuit function from a separate external yoke structure and integrates it directly into the plug housing. The housing itself is made ferromagnetic and acts as the magnetic circuit, eliminating the need for additional external magnetic yokes and reducing structural complexity while maintaining magnetic field confinement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural housing with the magnetic circuit function by using ferromagnetic material for the housing. This combination allows the housing to serve dual purposes: mechanical protection and magnetic flux guidance, thereby reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall structure.
2Force
If multiple air gaps are created in the magnetic circuit, then the magnetic field can be distributed, but magnetic leaks increase and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized air gaps at specific positions where magnetic force is needed (between the plug and base facing surfaces) while maintaining continuous ferromagnetic paths through the housing. This selective placement of air gaps provides magnetic force distribution where required while minimizing unnecessary magnetic leaks through proper magnetic shielding in other areas.
3Force
If annular magnets are used to create a circular air gap, then the magnetic field is concentrated in the gap, but the magnetic field lines loop back in air reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ferromagnetic material (the housing and internal magnetic circuit elements) as an intermediary to guide the magnetic field lines. Instead of allowing field lines to loop back through air, the ferromagnetic material provides a low-reluctance path that channels the magnetic flux efficiently from one pole to the other, maintaining field concentration while improving overall magnetic circuit efficiency.
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 configuration minimizes magnetic leaks, reduces the amount of magnet required, and provides a balanced magnetic force for efficient contact extraction while allowing for automatic self-centering and improved mechanical and electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet (15, 25) arranged to generate a magnetic circuit between the first magnetic part and the second magnetic part when the plug is brought close to the base
Implementation Method 2
a first magnetic part (13) integral in movement with the mobile support (12)... a second magnetic part (23) arranged to rotate freely inside the housing (20)
Implementation Method 3
the first magnetic part (13) and the second magnetic part (23) are arranged so that the magnetic circuit generates a magnetic flux surrounding the first electrical contacts (120, 121) and the second electrical contacts (220, 221)
Implementation Method 4
magnetic control means, comprising a permanent magnet integrated in the plug and a mobile magnetic element housed in the base and integral with the electrical contacts, allow the extraction of the electrical contacts from the base
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical plug and socket assembly comprising: a base (1) including at least two first electrical contacts (120, 121) and a first magnetic portion (13) arranged so as to move by magnetic attraction to move the first two electrical contacts toward the outside of the base (1); a plug (2) comprising two second electrical contacts (220, 221) intended to electrically connect to the first two electrical contacts (120, 121) when same are outside the base (1) and a second magnetic portion (23) to move, by magnetic attraction, the first magnetic portion (13) to drive the first electrical contacts (120, 121) toward the outside of the base; the first magnetic portion (13) or the second magnetic portion (23) comprises at least one permanent magnet (15, 16, 25, 26) such as to form a magnetic circuit when the plug (2) is brought near the base (1).