Magnetic Plug for Portable Terminal with Nested Coupling Slots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for portable terminals using non-insertion type contact structures face issues with binding force and risk of damage to magnetic recording media and credit cards due to exposed magnets, and the connection pins are prone to exposure and damage.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with a non-insertion type contact structure utilizing a magnet and metal pads, where the magnet is housed within a coupling slot and the plug is designed to wrap around the terminal, providing a secure binding force while minimizing exposure of the magnet and connection pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a magnet is provided in the connector to strongly retain the connected condition, then the binding force is improved, but the magnet may damage magnetic recording media and credit cards due to its substantial magnetic force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding forceVSAvoidmagnetic damage to recording media and credit cards
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet is nested within the coupling slot of the plug body, which is itself nested within the housing structure. This nested arrangement allows the magnet to provide strong binding force while being protected from direct contact with external objects like magnetic recording media and credit cards, thus resolving the contradiction between binding force and magnetic damage risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If the connector is designed with protruding connection members, then the connection structure is simplified, but the connection members are exposed to risk of pollution and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structure complexityVSAvoidconnection member exposure to pollution and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection pins are nested within the plug body housing, which provides protective enclosure. This nested structure allows the connection members to remain accessible for electrical contact while being shielded from external pollution and physical damage, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and component protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If a non-insertion contact structure is used, then foreign matter removal is simplified, but the connection device may be easily removed by external force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign matter removal easeVSAvoidresistance to external removal force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet is positioned in advance within the coupling slot to create a pre-established magnetic field that exerts attractive force on the portable terminal. This preliminary magnetic action ensures strong retention before any external removal force is applied, resolving the contradiction between ease of foreign matter removal and resistance to intentional removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances the binding force between the plug and the portable terminal, preventing damage to magnetic recording media and credit cards while maintaining stable connectivity, and allows easy removal of foreign matter.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet is provided so as to strongly retain the connected condition of the contact terminals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2722936B1Plug for portable terminal and portable terminal
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2722936B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2722936B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2722936B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A connecting plug (103) and portable terminal (100) are provided. The portable terminal (100) includes one or more coupling slots (121) provided on a lateral side of the portable terminal (100), and one or more metal pads (123) mounted on a bottom of the one or more coupling slots (121). The plug (103) includes one or more magnets (133) corresponding to the one or more coupling slots (121). The one or more magnets (133) are arranged to protrude toward a predetermined side of the plug (103), and can be inserted into the one or more coupling slots (121) by an attractive force produced between the one or more metal pads (123) and the one or more magnets (133), thereby coupling the plug (103) to the lateral side of the portable terminal (100).