Magnetic Connector Coupling With Adjustable Separation Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors face challenges in achieving a balance between easy fastening and stable coupling, as well as easy separation and secure detachment, due to inconsistent coupling forces.

Innovation Solution

A connector design incorporating a magnetic unit with movable multi-pole magnets and a conductive housing, allowing for adjustable magnetic forces to facilitate easy coupling and stable connection, while enabling easy separation by controlling the magnetic field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the insertion force is weakened to facilitate fastening between the two connectors, then the ease of operation is improved, but the coupling force between the two connectors is weakened, making it difficult to stably maintain the coupled state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fasteningVSAvoidstability of coupled state
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system with a magnetic field-based fastening system. The magnetic unit generates magnetic attraction force to hold the connectors together, eliminating the need for complex mechanical locking mechanisms. This substitution allows for easy insertion while maintaining stable coupling through magnetic force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a movable second magnet that can change position to adjust the magnetic field strength. When the connector is inserted, the magnet moves to create strong magnetic attraction for stable coupling. When separation is needed, the magnet moves to reduce magnetic force, enabling easy detachment. This dynamic parameter change resolves the contradiction between stable coupling and easy separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the coupling force between the two connectors is excessively high to stably maintain the coupled state, then the reliability is improved, but a lot of force is required when coupling between the two connectors, and separation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of coupled stateVSAvoidease of separation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the magnetic field dynamic through the movable second magnet. The magnetic attraction force is not fixed but can be adjusted by the position of the second magnet. During insertion, the magnet creates strong attraction for stable coupling. During separation, the magnet moves to reduce attraction, making detachment easy. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between strong coupling and easy separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic unit automatically adjusts the magnetic field strength based on the operational state. When connectors are coupled, the magnetic field naturally provides strong attraction for stability. When separation is attempted, the system allows the magnet to move and reduce magnetic force, enabling easy detachment without requiring excessive external force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a magnetic unit with movable multi-pole magnets is used to enable adjustable magnetic forces for easy coupling and stable connection, then the ease of operation and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of coupling and separationVSAvoidcomplexity of magnetic unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic unit is divided into two separate magnets: a first magnet fixed to the housing and a second magnet that is movable. This segmentation allows each magnet to have a specific function - the first magnet provides the base magnetic field, while the second magnet adjusts the field strength. This division simplifies the overall design compared to a single complex adjustable magnet system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design allows for stable and secure coupling with easy fastening and separation, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability of electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic unit configured so that a magnetic field is changeable with respect to the magnetic body of the mating connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The magnetic unit comprises a first magnet and a second magnet that are each configured as a multi-pole magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

the second magnet is configured to be movable... configured to be movable... allowing for adjustable magnetic forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force control: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4178042B1connector
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4178042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4178042B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4178042B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Provided is a connector in which fastening and separation may be effectively performed. A connector electrically connected to a mating connector including a magnetic body includes a housing formed of an electrically non-conductive material, and including a coupling portion to which the mating connector is fastened, a conductor unit formed of an electrically conductive material, and configured to provide an electrical path, wherein at least a part of the conductor unit is exposed to outside of the housing to electrically contact the mating connector, and a magnetic unit configured to so that a magnetic field is changeable with respect to the magnetic body of the mating connector.