Magnetic Connector Locking Mechanism for Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for assistive devices on wearable devices, such as smart cameras or readers on spectacle frames, face issues with reliability due to strong magnetic forces required for attachment, leading to increased volume and weight, and a risk of the device falling off during user activities like exercise.
Innovation Solution
A connector system using a first and second magnetic connecting component with a locking mechanism that prevents movement perpendicular to the magnetic attraction, allowing for a smaller, lighter design while maintaining reliable attachment, and optionally incorporating a beveled portion and convex pins for enhanced security and reduced thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong magnetic force is used to ensure reliable magnetic attraction, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the volume and weight of the connector increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate magnetic connecting components: a first magnetic connecting component attached to the wearable device and a second magnetic connecting component attached to the assistive device. This segmentation allows each component to be smaller and lighter while maintaining reliable attachment through their mutual magnetic attraction, resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and connector weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a locking component that provides form-fit connection in directions perpendicular to the magnetic attraction force. This adds a spatial dimension to the connection mechanism, allowing the magnetic force to be optimized for strength along its attraction axis while mechanical locking handles perpendicular stability, thus reducing the overall volume and weight required for reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If strong magnetic force is used to ensure reliable magnetic attraction, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the volume of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate magnetic connecting components: a first magnetic connecting component attached to the wearable device and a second magnetic connecting component attached to the assistive device. This segmentation allows each component to be smaller and lighter while maintaining reliable attachment through their mutual magnetic attraction, resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and connector volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a locking component that provides form-fit connection in directions perpendicular to the magnetic attraction force. This adds a spatial dimension to the connection mechanism, allowing the magnetic force to be optimized for strength along its attraction axis while mechanical locking handles perpendicular stability, thus reducing the overall volume and weight required for reliable attachment.
3Ease of operation
If the second magnetic connecting component is allowed to move freely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of connection deteriorates due to movement perpendicular to magnetic attraction
Solution Approach 1:
The locking component provides form-fit connection in directions perpendicular to the magnetic attraction force, creating a mechanical constraint that prevents lateral movement. This dimensional differentiation allows free movement along the magnetic attraction axis for easy attachment while maintaining stability in perpendicular directions, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component acts as an intermediary element between the two magnetic connecting components. It provides the form-fit connection that supplements the magnetic attraction, allowing the magnetic force to handle attachment/detachment operations while the locking component maintains connection stability by preventing perpendicular movement.
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 effectively reduces the risk of the assistive device falling off by maintaining a consistent magnetic attraction area, allowing for a lighter and thinner connector that improves user experience and comfort, and can be tilted for enhanced image recognition.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic connecting component; and a second magnetic connecting component detachably connected to the first magnetic connecting component by magnetic attraction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a connector. The connector comprising: a first magnetic connecting component; and a second magnetic connecting component detachably connected to the first magnetic connecting component by magnetic attraction. By means of the connector of the present disclosure, the assistive device can be detachably connected to the wearable device more reliably and more flexibly.