Recessed Magnetic Latching Connector for Secure Pin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-pin electrical connectors face issues with misalignment and loosening of pins and sockets, leading to potential damage and intermittent connections, especially in medical applications where secure and reliable connections are crucial without the use of permanent or semi-permanent fasteners. Additionally, magnetic latching solutions can interfere with electrical signals and be prone to environmental damage.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic latching connector design featuring a male component with outwardly extending electrically conductive pins and a recessed magnetic latching element, paired with a female component having sockets and a recessed receptacle for the magnetic latching element, which provides a predetermined attractive force for secure coupling while allowing decoupling under force, without exposed magnetic materials that could interfere with signals or be damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic latching elements are used to secure the connector, then connection reliability is improved, but exposed magnetic materials can interfere with electrical signals and be damaged by environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic latching elements are nested within recesses in the connector housings. The male connector has a magnetic latching element received within a recess in its housing, and the female connector has a magnetic latching element received within a recess in its housing. This nesting protects the magnetic materials from environmental exposure while maintaining their latching function.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic materials are extracted from exposed positions and placed only within protected recesses. The patent specifically removes exposed magnetic materials that could interfere with electrical signals while retaining the magnetic latching functionality within the recessed areas where they cannot cause signal interference or environmental damage.
2Ease of operation
If the connector uses spring-loaded pins for electrical connection, then ease of operation is improved, but misalignment can cause bending and damage to the pins
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates alignment features and controlled engagement mechanisms that prevent misalignment before the pins can be damaged. The male and female connectors are designed to align properly during insertion, cushioning against the harmful effect of misalignment before it can cause pin bending or breakage.
3Ease of operation
If the connector allows easy decoupling, then ease of operation is improved, but the connection may become loose over time
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a magnetic latching mechanism that dynamically maintains connection stability during normal use but allows easy decoupling when force is applied. The magnetic force provides continuous holding strength to prevent loosening, while still permitting intentional separation by overcoming the magnetic attraction.
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 magnetic latching connector ensures reliable and secure electrical connections while allowing for easy decoupling to prevent equipment damage, maintains signal integrity, and protects magnetic components from environmental exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The male and female magnetic latching elements provide a predetermined attractive magnetic force to assist maintaining the male and female in a coupled state
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic latching connector for making electrical connections between cables, electrical power and signal sources, equipment and the like in a variety of medical and other applications in which it is desired to have the connection maintained with a predetermined amount of magnetic attractive force. The magnetic latching connector generally includes male and female connector components. The male and female connector components comprise male and female couplings and male and female coupling housings. The male and female coupling housings enclose electrical connections between the male and female couplings and electrical cables. Recessed within the male and female couplings are electrically conductive pins and sockets and male and female magnetic latching elements. When the male and female connector components are coupled, the pins and sockets provide electrical connections and the recessed magnetic latching elements provide a predetermined magnetic attraction force to maintain the connections.