Magnetic Connector Cam Release for Easy Pullout Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors, such as those used in camera controllers, require significant strength to detach due to mechanical attachment methods, which can lead to wear and potential electrical hazards from incidental loads and surges.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic connector system with a cam surface mechanism that reduces magnetic attraction by rotating the connector, allowing for easier detachment and minimizing unwanted attachment to the housing panel, using a target positioning member and damping device to control the magnetic element's position and force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical attachment methods (male and female terminal blades, USB connection) are used to ensure sufficient resistance to pullout forces, then the connector can withstand incidental loads, but significant strength is required to detach the connector and the components wear down over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a magnetic connector where the magnetic force dynamically adjusts based on engagement status. During normal operation, the magnetic force provides strong retention (5-10 lbs pullout resistance). For detachment, a simple rotational motion is applied to the connector body, which triggers a cam mechanism that rapidly reduces the magnetic force, allowing easy release without requiring significant pulling strength. This dynamic transition from strong retention to easy release resolves the contradiction between attachment strength and detachment ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment methods (terminal blades, USB connections requiring significant force) with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic connector uses magnetic attraction forces instead of mechanical interlocking, allowing for easier detachment through rotational motion that disengages the magnetic coupling. This substitution eliminates the wear associated with mechanical contact while maintaining sufficient retention strength during operation.
2Strength
If strong magnetic attraction is used to secure the connector, then the connector remains firmly attached during use, but the magnetic force may cause unwanted attachment to the housing panel or other metallic surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic interaction into two distinct phases: a strong attraction phase during engagement and a reduced attraction phase during disengagement. The magnetic connector is designed with a target element that, when rotated, moves away from the magnetic element, reducing the magnetic field strength. This segmentation allows the magnetic force to be strong when needed for secure attachment but weak when detachment is required, preventing unwanted attachment to the housing panel while maintaining firm connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic force dynamically transitions between strong and weak states based on the rotational position of the connector. When the connector is properly engaged, the magnetic elements are positioned to maximize attraction for secure retention. When a rotational motion is applied, the target element moves relative to the magnetic element, reducing the magnetic force and allowing easy detachment. This dynamic adjustment prevents unwanted attachment while ensuring secure connection during operation.
3Device complexity
If the connector is held in place by magnetic force alone, then the attachment mechanism is simplified, but the connector may not provide sufficient resistance to axial and side load pull-out forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges magnetic attraction with a cam-based mechanical engagement mechanism. The magnetic connector includes both a magnetic element for attraction and a cam surface that translates rotational motion into axial displacement. This combination provides sufficient resistance to pullout forces during normal operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The magnetic force provides initial retention, and the cam mechanism reinforces this retention during engagement, together achieving the required strength without excessive complexity.
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
Facilitates easy and controlled detachment of the connector with reduced magnetic force, preventing wear and electrical hazards, while maintaining secure attachment during use.
Implementation Method 1
The connector includes a magnetic element and the housing panel includes a target element. The magnetic element and target element are configured to reduce a magnetic force between each other
Implementation Method 2
The first engagement surface includes a first cam surface. The outer surface includes a second cam surface configured to engage the first engagement surface and the first cam surface. The first cam surface and the second cam surface are configured to translate a rotation between the first cam surface and the second cam surface into an axial displacement of the connector with respect to the housing panel
Implementation Method 3
The target positioning member couples the first mount to the second magnet. The target positioning member is configured to dampen the movement of the second magnetic element towards the first magnetic element
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical device, such as a camera controller includes a connector having a first magnetic element and a first cam surface. An electrical housing includes a housing panel having an outer surface configured to receive the connector. A target element is disposed within the electrical housing. The target element includes a second magnetic element. The outer surface includes a second cam surface configured to engage the first cam surface and translate a rotation of the connector into an axial displacement of the connector. In one aspect, a target positioning member is configured to position the target element into the first position when the connector is removed from the outer surface. The targeting positioning member is further configured to position the target element into the second position when the first cam surface engages the second cam surface.