Mechanical Magnetic Connector With Rotating Knob Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical-magnetic connector structures face challenges in securely connecting elements while allowing for easy disconnection, often relying on physical retainers that can lead to misalignment and increased force requirements for removal.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical-magnetic connector structure featuring a plug-shaped module with a smooth external surface and a bore with smooth side walls, utilizing magnetic attraction and friction for secure engagement, along with a rotating knob assembly to prevent indirect pull forces and ensure concentric alignment for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If physical retainer elements are used on the plug-shaped portion, then mechanical retention is improved, but misalignment and increased force requirements for removal occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical retainer elements (mechanical retention system) with a magnetic field-based retention system. Magnets embedded in the connector housing create magnetic attraction forces that hold the plug-shaped portion in place, eliminating the need for clips, latches, or other mechanical retainers. This substitution reduces misalignment issues and lowers the force required for removal while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the retention mechanism from mechanical (physical contact and interlocking) to magnetic (field-based attraction). By adjusting magnetic field strength and distribution, the system achieves secure retention during use while allowing easy removal when the magnetic force is overcome, resolving the contradiction between strong retention and easy removal.
2Reliability
If physical retainer elements are used, then secure connection is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical retainer elements with a magnetic field system, the patent eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment features such as tapered guides or interlocking geometries. The magnetic field acts over a larger area and is less sensitive to minor misalignments, improving alignment precision while maintaining secure connection through magnetic attraction.
3Ease of operation
If smooth surfaces without physical retainers are used, then ease of insertion is improved, but connection security may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical retention systems with magnetic field-based retention, allowing smooth surfaces without physical retainers to be used. The magnetic field provides secure connection by creating attractive forces between the magnets in the housing and the ferromagnetic material in the plug-shaped portion, while the smooth surfaces facilitate easy insertion and rotation without mechanical obstructions.
4Reliability
If a rotating knob assembly is added, then prevention of indirect pull forces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating knob assembly introduces a dynamic locking mechanism that changes the system from a static magnetic connection to one with an additional mechanical locking state. When rotated, the knob engages with the plug-shaped portion, creating a positive lock that prevents indirect pull forces. While this adds complexity, it provides enhanced reliability for applications requiring protection against lateral or angled extraction forces.
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 solution provides secure connection and disconnection without physical retainers, ensuring alignment and reducing the force needed for removal, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second magnets come into proximal facing relation with maximum magnetic attraction as the plug-shaped portion is magnetically sucked into the bore of the second module
Implementation Method 2
Only the magnetic attraction between the magnets and friction between the smooth side wall portions and the smooth external surface of the plug-shaped portion serve to secure the first module within the second module
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical-magnetic connector structure for releasably connecting a first element with a second element is herein described. The connector structure includes a dongle attached to the first element, a receiver assembly attached to the second element and having a bore, and a rotating knob assembly attached to the receiver assembly and rotatable between an open and closed position to unlock or lock the dongle within the bore. With the rotating knob assembly rotated to the closed position, the dongle no longer is completely concentric within the bore, such that a user is prevented from applying any offset, angled, or indirect pull force on the dongle in an effort to remove it. The dongle can only be removed if completely concentric within the bore and the rotating knob assembly has been rotated to the open position.