Magnetic Connector Adapter for Incompatible Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing variety and incompatibility of electronic device connectors pose a challenge as users often encounter incompatible connector inserts and receptacles due to physical and electrical changes over time, leaving legacy cables unusable with newer devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of a magnetic connector adapter with a subassembly comprising a housing with spring-loaded contacts and magnets, allowing connections between incompatible connectors by compensating for differences in pitch and depth through adjustable contact connections, and incorporating current limiting devices and microcontrollers for safe charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector insert is designed for a specific connector receptacle, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but compatibility with other connector receptacles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an adapter as an intermediary device that bridges incompatible connector interfaces. The adapter contains a first interface that mates with one type of connector insert and a second interface that mates with a different type of connector receptacle, thereby enabling connection between otherwise incompatible components while maintaining reliable electrical connections through its internal contact structure
2Volume of moving object
If connector dimensions are reduced for newer devices, then device miniaturization is achieved, but compatibility with legacy connectors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter resolves dimensional incompatibility by introducing an additional dimensional layer - it has different interface dimensions on opposite ends, with one interface matching legacy connector dimensions and the other matching modern reduced-dimension connectors. This dimensional transformation allows the same physical object to interface with connectors of different sizes without compromising the miniaturization benefits of newer devices
3Productivity
If contact pitch is changed in newer connectors, then higher data transmission capability is achieved, but compatibility with older connectors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter accommodates different contact pitches by incorporating contacts with varying pitch parameters on opposite ends. The internal contact structure is designed with specific pitch values that match one connector standard, while the external interface has contacts arranged at different pitch values to match another standard, thereby enabling the system to adapt to different data transmission capabilities without losing compatibility
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 reliable and adaptable connections between various electronic devices, ensuring compatibility across different interfaces and standards, such as MagSafe, USB, and HDMI, while preventing misplacement of the adapter and ensuring safe charging.
Implementation Method 1
The connector adapter may be a magnetic connector providing a magnetic connector receptacle at a first end to accept a connector insert having an attraction plate
Implementation Method 2
a first number of spring-loaded contacts may be inserted into passages in the second housing
Data Source
AI summary
Connector adapters that may allow contacts in a connector insert to form electrical connections with contacts in an incompatible connector receptacle. One example may provide a connector adapter for providing a connection between a connector insert and an incompatible connector receptacle. The connector adapter may be a magnetic connector providing a magnetic connector receptacle at a first end to accept a connector insert having an attraction plate. This connector adapter may further provide a connector insert having an attraction plate at a second end to insert into a magnetic connector receptacle on an electrical device.