Magnetic Connector for Transformable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetically actuated electrical connectors lack genderless conductivity and magnetic polarity invariance, requiring additional mechanical features for proper connection and being prone to misalignment and surface contamination issues in transformable electronic devices and toys.
Innovation Solution
A self-actuating connector design featuring a spherical permanent magnet and a conductive soft ferromagnetic washer, allowing for arbitrary orientation and rotation, providing a spring-like action without external springs, enabling reliable connections despite surface misalignment and contamination, and allowing relative movement between connecting surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical spring loaded pins or magnetically actuated connectors are used, then electrical connectivity can be achieved, but additional mechanical features are required and misalignment and surface contamination issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spring mechanism from the traditional connector design by using the magnetic repulsion force between two permanent magnets to provide the necessary pushing force. This eliminates the need for separate spring elements and reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnets serve multiple functions: they provide the pushing force through magnetic repulsion, enable electrical connectivity through the conductive path, and allow for easy engagement and disengagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional mechanical features.
2Reliability
If precise alignment is required for connection, then reliable electrical contact can be achieved, but ease of operation is reduced due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses excessive magnetic repulsion force to overcome minor misalignments between connectors. The strong magnetic pushing force ensures that even if the connectors are not perfectly aligned, the magnetic force is sufficient to push the conductive elements into contact, maintaining reliable electrical connection while easing operation.
3Ease of operation
If surface contamination is present, then connection reliability deteriorates, but allowing relative movement between surfaces can accommodate contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows dynamic relative movement between the connectors during engagement. The magnetic repulsion force continuously pushes the conductive elements together, accommodating surface contamination and misalignment through this dynamic adjustment, thereby maintaining connection reliability despite environmental factors.
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 ensures reliable, genderless connectivity with tolerance to surface misalignment and contamination, providing a robust and visually inconspicuous connection mechanism suitable for transformable electronic devices and toys, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without precise alignment.
Implementation Method 1
an interior portion including a magnet... When brought in proximity with an electronic device having its own magnet, the connector gets actuated and engages
Implementation Method 2
a flexible circuit that includes a flexible attachment feature. The flexible attachment feature is electrically coupled to the floating contact and configured to accommodate movement of the floating contact
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical spring action element built into the connector returns the magnet into the disengaged position
Data Source
AI summary
Connector element includes an enclosure made of a generally non-magnetic material having an open face; an insulating plate with a plate aperture; a permanent magnet placed inside the enclosure, the magnet dimensions preventing egress from the enclosure through the plate aperture; a washer made of a conductive soft ferromagnetic material with a washer aperture being larger than dimensions of said permanent magnet, placed inside the enclosure. Also disclosed are transformable electronic devices, optionally including displays, toys and educational kits built using the self-actuating connector elements.