Magnetic Retention Electrical Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies rely on latch devices that can deform, leading to insecure connections between mated connectors, which compromises the reliability of signal transmission and power delivery.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly utilizing magnetic attraction between a plug connector with an attraction member and a receptacle connector with magnetic blocks ensures secure coupling, with spring contacts for improved electrical connection and dust elimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch device is used to retain mated electrical connectors, then the connectors are held together, but the latch device may deform and fail to ensure secure coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical latch device with a magnetic retention mechanism. The magnetic retention device uses magnetic attraction force to hold the mated connectors together, eliminating the mechanical latch that is prone to deformation. This substitution of mechanical system with magnetic field-based system resolves the contradiction by providing reliable retention without the strength limitations of mechanical latches.
2Reliability
If a magnetic retention device is used instead of latch device, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic retention device is integrated into the existing connector housing structure rather than being added as a separate complex assembly. The magnetic components are embedded within the housing, merging the retention function with the structural elements already present in the connector design. This merging approach improves reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If spring contacts are used for electrical connection, then electrical connection quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring contacts are designed to automatically make and break electrical connections through their elastic properties when the connectors are mated or separated. This self-service mechanism ensures precise electrical connection without requiring complex external actuation systems or precise manual alignment, thereby improving connection precision while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple elastic deformation principles.
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 retention mechanism provides a reliable and secure connection between the plug and receptacle connectors, enhancing the stability and reliability of signal transmission and power delivery while preventing dust interference.
Implementation Method 1
The plug connector and the receptacle connector are securely coupled together via a magnetic attraction between the magnetic member and the attraction member thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly (100) comprising a plug connector (1) and a receptacle connector (2). The plug connector (1) comprises an insulated housing (13) defining a number of vertical mounting grooves (1311); a number of terminals (12) received in the insulated housing, said each of the terminals having a vertical contact portion arranged in corresponding vertical mounting groove; an attraction member (11) assembled to the insulated housing (13). The receptacle connector (2) comprises an insulative housing (23) defining a number of passageways (232) along front-to-back direction; a number of spring contacts (24) respectively received in the passageways; a magnetic block (22) assembled to the insulative housing. The plug connector and the receptacle connector are securely coupled together via a magnetic attraction between the magnetic member and the attraction member thereof. The spring contacts of the receptacle connector contact the terminals of the plug connector, respectively.