Circular Magnetic Jack Connector with Retractable Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for media delivery systems, such as in-flight entertainment, are prone to breakage when subjected to non-axial tension, leading to unreliable connections and safety concerns due to the risk of pin breakage during accidental movement or external interference.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector system featuring a magnetic member and a resilient member in the socket that interact with corresponding components in the plug to establish a magnetic attraction force, allowing secure coupling while also having a restoring force to retract the pins when not in use, enhancing mechanical and electrical connection reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors use fixed pins in the socket, then electrical connection is established, but the connector is prone to breakage when subjected to non-axial tension
Solution Approach 1:
The connector pins are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to retract into the plug body when subjected to non-axial forces. The spring member enables the pins to dynamically adjust their position, moving outward for electrical contact and inward for protection, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining connection reliability and resisting breakage from non-axial tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member provides beforehand cushioning by pre-positioning the pins in a protected retracted state and enabling them to absorb non-axial forces through elastic deformation. This prior cushioning mechanism prevents the pins from being subjected to full impact forces, reducing breakage risk while maintaining connection integrity.
2Strength
If the connector pins are made movable to avoid breakage, then resistance to non-axial tension improves, but connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member creates a dynamic equilibrium system where the pins are constantly urged outward by spring force while being held in position by magnetic attraction. This dynamic balance ensures the pins maintain stable electrical contact during normal operation while being capable of retracting when subjected to excessive forces, thus maintaining both connection stability and resistance to non-axial tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic member replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with magnetic attraction forces. This substitution provides a more compliant and stable holding force that can adapt to variations in connection pressure while maintaining pin position stability, resolving the contradiction between pin movability for protection and connection stability.
3Reliability
If magnetic members are used to secure the plug in the socket, then connection integrity during normal use is maintained, but the complexity of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic member replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simple magnetic attraction mechanism. This substitution maintains connection integrity during normal use through magnetic force while significantly reducing the mechanical complexity of the connector structure, as magnets require no moving parts, springs, or complex assembly mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the pins are constantly protruding to maintain connection, then electrical contact is ensured, but the risk of accidental damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member enables the pins to dynamically adjust between protruding and retracted states based on operational conditions. During normal use, spring force maintains pins in the protruding position for electrical contact. When accidental non-axial forces are applied, the pins can retract into the plug body for protection, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring electrical contact and reducing accidental damage risk.
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 provides a secure and reliable electrical connection that withstands non-axial tension, reducing the risk of breakage and ensuring consistent signal transfer, even under accidental stress or movement, thereby improving the integrity and safety of the connection.
Implementation Method 1
the mounting assembly includes a magnetic member configured to interact with a corresponding plug-side magnetic member of the plug to establish a magnetic attraction force
Implementation Method 2
the mounting assembly further includes a resilient member configured to exert a restoring force on the mounting assembly, to urge the mounting assembly towards a rest position
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector socket comprisinga housing having a front face configured to mate with a corresponding face of a corresponding plug;at least one electrical connector pin mounted on a mounting assembly inside the housing, the mounting assembly being movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front face;wherein:the mounting assembly includes a magnetic member configured to interact with a corresponding plug-side magnetic member of the plug to establish a magnetic attraction force, to urge the movable mounting assembly towards the front face to a coupling position in which the at least one connector pin protrudes through a corresponding at least one opening in the front face;the mounting assembly further including a resilient member configured to exert a restoring force on the mounting assembly, to urge the mounting assembly towards a rest position in which the at least one connector pin does not protrude from the front face.Other aspects of the invention include an electrical connector plug, a coupling system comprising an electrical connector socket and an electrical connector plug, and an entertainment system including a coupling system.