Magnetic Connector With Movable Components For Secure Data Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for electronic devices face challenges such as bulkiness due to wires, aesthetic issues, and security concerns with wireless connections, which are less secure and consume more power.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic connector system that uses a housing with guides and a magnetic contact assembly, where magnets move between retracted and extended positions to form a secure, aesthetically pleasing, and efficient connection for data and power transfer between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires or cables are used for electrical communication, then power and data transmission can be established, but the physical bulk increases and aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical communication function from traditional wired connectors and integrates it into a magnetic connector system. The magnetic connector combines mechanical attachment and electrical contact in a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate cables while maintaining reliable power and data transmission through direct contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges mechanical connection and electrical communication functions into a single magnetic connector assembly. The connector integrates magnetic attraction for mechanical attachment with embedded contact points for electrical transmission, allowing both functions to be achieved through one component rather than separate wired connections.
2Volume of moving object
If wireless connections are used for electrical communication, then physical bulk is reduced, but security deteriorates and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary force that enables secure physical attachment before electrical contact is established. The magnetic attraction ensures proper alignment and firm connection between devices, providing mechanical security and stability while maintaining a sleek, minimal physical profile.
3Strength
If traditional mechanical connectors are used, then robust connection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment systems with a magnetic field-based alignment mechanism. The magnetic attraction forces automatically guide the connectors into proper alignment as they approach each other, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning while maintaining strong, reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of connection establishment from mechanical interlocking to magnetic attraction. This parameter change allows for greater tolerance in positioning and orientation, making the connection process more forgiving and easier to operate while preserving connection strength through the magnetic hold.
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 magnetic connector system provides a robust, secure, and energy-efficient method for connecting electronic devices, reducing physical bulk and enhancing aesthetics while maintaining reliable data and power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet received in the housing, and movable by attraction to an adjacent connector along the second path, from a retracted position to an extended position closer to the peripheral surface
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic contact assembly received in the housing, the contact assembly magnetically movable along the first path between a first, extended position for joining the connector in data communication with an adjacent connector, and a second position withdrawn from the peripheral surface
Implementation Method 3
the second channel configured so that the magnet and the magnetic contact assembly magnetically bias one another along the paths to the retracted position and the second position, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for an electronic device has a housing with a peripheral surface and guides defining first and second paths. The second path extends from a first location proximate the peripheral surface to a second location farther from the peripheral surface and closer to the first path. A magnetic contact assembly in the housing is magnetically movable along the first path between a first position for joining the connector in data communication with an adjacent connector, and a second position withdrawn from the peripheral surface. A magnet in the housing and is movable by attraction to an adjacent connector along the second path, to magnetically hold the connector to an adjacent connector. The guides are configured so that the magnet and the magnetic contact assembly magnetically bias one another inwardly along the first and second paths.