Magnetic Dongle with Ferromagnetic Flange for Quick Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power connectors for electronic devices, such as smartphones and LCD screens, require significant effort and time for insertion and removal due to their design, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A dongle with a male USB Type C connector and a ferromagnetic flange that allows for quick attachment and detachment using a power cable with spring pins and a magnet, enabling orientation independence and balanced magnetic and spring forces for easy connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional plug connector is inserted into an electronic device port, then electrical connection is established, but the insertion and removal process requires significant time and effort from the user
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into three separate components: a plug portion that inserts into the electronic device port, a flange with ferromagnetic material that remains outside the device, and a connector that attaches to the flange. This segmentation allows the plug portion to be quickly inserted into the port while the connector can be independently attached or detached from the flange, significantly reducing the time and effort required for connection and disconnection operations
Solution Approach 2:
The flange with ferromagnetic material serves as an intermediary component between the plug portion and the connector. It provides a magnetic coupling interface that enables quick attachment and detachment of the connector without requiring manual manipulation of the plug portion itself, thereby reducing user effort and time while maintaining secure electrical connection
2Ease of operation
If a magnetic force is used to attach the connector to the flange, then quick attachment is achieved, but the magnetic force must be carefully balanced to prevent disconnection or excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic force between the connector and flange is carefully controlled by adjusting parameters such as magnet size, magnetic material properties, and spacing. The magnetic force is designed to be greater than the spring force pushing the spring pins outward (ensuring reliable attachment) but less than the friction force between the plug portion and port (preventing accidental disconnection or excessive force on the port). This parameter optimization achieves both ease of operation and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates spring pins that provide dynamic mechanical feedback. The springs are compressed during attachment and exert an outward force that is balanced by the magnetic attraction. This dynamic system allows for easy attachment when magnetic force overcomes spring force, while maintaining stable connection when magnetic force and spring force are in equilibrium, and enables clean detachment when external force overcomes both forces
3Reliability
If the plug portion is designed to fit tightly in the port for secure connection, then connection reliability is improved, but the plug becomes difficult to remove quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system separates the functions of secure connection and easy removal into different components. The plug portion is designed to fit securely into the port with sufficient friction for reliable connection, while the connector attaches to the external flange rather than directly to the plug portion. This allows the plug portion to remain securely seated in the port while the connector can be quickly attached or detached from the flange without affecting the plug-port connection
Solution Approach 2:
The flange acts as an intermediary that decouples the removal operation from the plug portion. When the user detaches the connector, the magnetic force is overcome and the connector separates from the flange, while the plug portion remains securely engaged with the port. This intermediary structure enables quick removal of the connector without requiring removal of the plug portion from the port, solving the contradiction between connection security and ease of removal
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
Facilitates quick and effortless attachment and detachment of power cables to electronic devices, reducing user effort and ensuring secure connections without risking disconnection of the dongle from the port.
Implementation Method 1
The force of a magnetic attraction between the magnet and the flange may be less than a friction force between the plug portion and the port and greater than a spring force of pushing the one or more spring pins out from the connector
Implementation Method 2
The connector may include springs disposed with the one or more spring pins and adapted to push folded sides of the one or more springs into a casing of the connector
Implementation Method 3
The force of a magnetic attraction between the magnet and the flange may be less than a friction force between the plug portion and the port
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are provided for a dongle for quick release. The plug portion may include electrical contacts to contact electrical contacts housed within the port of the electronic device. An external face may be attached to the plug portion. The external face may include electrical contact pads. The electrical contact pads may be electrically connected to the electrical contacts. A flange may include a ferromagnetic material attached to the external face, such that the flange is disposed outside of the electronic device when the plug portion is plugged into the port of the electronic device.