Magnetic Connector Latch With Switchable Attraction and Repulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face issues with high mating and unmating forces, physical latches that are hard to disengage, occupy excessive space, wear out, and fail to maintain consistent connective force, and have alignment and ease-of-use challenges.
Innovation Solution
A convertible force latching system utilizing a circular pattern of alternating magnetic poles that allows for both magnetic attraction and repulsion, enabling easy mating and unmating through the rotation of the latching portion, with magnets fully enclosed to prevent wear and maintain consistent retention force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical latches (threaded, spring, manual, snap fit) are used for electrical connectors, then retention force is provided, but the latches wear out over time, require tooling for operation, and have limited cycle life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical latching systems (threaded latches, spring latches, snap fit latches) with a magnetic latching system that uses magnetic attraction and repulsion forces. This substitution eliminates wear and tear associated with mechanical contact while providing reliable retention, achieving near-unlimited cycle life without requiring tooling for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the ability to change magnetic field parameters (strength, polarity) to control the latching state. By adjusting magnetic field parameters, the system can transition between strong attraction (latched state) and strong repulsion (unlatched state), providing both reliable retention and ease of operation without mechanical wear.
2Force
If strong magnetic attraction is used to retain connectors, then retention force is improved, but unmating becomes difficult due to high magnetic holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic magnetic latching system where the magnetic field characteristics can change based on the operational state. The system transitions from a static strong attraction mode (for reliable retention) to a dynamic repulsion mode (for easy unmating), allowing the magnetic force to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic latching system utilizes periodic alternation between attraction and repulsion phases. During normal operation, magnetic attraction provides strong retention; during unmating, the system switches to magnetic repulsion to facilitate easy separation. This periodic switching between opposing magnetic forces resolves the contradiction between strong retention and easy release.
3Force
If magnets are exposed for magnetic latching, then magnetic force is effective, but magnets wear out and retention force degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an enclosed magnetic latching system where magnets are nested within protective housings or cavities in both connector halves. This nesting configuration allows the magnetic force to remain effective through the housing material while protecting the magnets from environmental damage, physical wear, and contamination, thereby maintaining consistent retention force over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thin-walled enclosures or flexible protective shells to house the magnets. These thin films or shells are sufficient to protect the magnets from wear and environmental factors while allowing magnetic field penetration, thus maintaining both magnet protection and magnetic force effectiveness.
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 system achieves nearly unlimited cycle life with consistent retention force, reduced size, and lower manufacturing costs due to fewer components, while ensuring easy alignment and reduced wear on magnets.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic attraction and repulsion, enabling easy mating and unmating
Implementation Method 2
magnetic attraction and repulsion, enabling easy mating and unmating
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A convertible force latching system includes two complementary connector bodies. Each connector body has a first mating face under which two series of magnets oriented alternating directions. A moving portion of the latching system allows the connector bodies and the magnets within to alter their alignment by the interaction of a user along a predetermined motion path. In a first arrangement, the series of magnets are aligned with such that the magnets of one connector body are attracted to the magnets of the other connector body. When the user actuation shifts the moving portion, the second arrangement positions the series of magnets such that they are aligned such that the magnets of one connector body are repelled to the magnets of the other connector body.