Magnetic USB Adapter Segmentation for Reliable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB adapters are inconvenient for frequent connections and disconnections, especially when multiple devices need to be connected to a USB socket.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with two coupled parts, where one part has a USB plug and electrical contact elements with a magnetic coupling device, and the other part has counter-contact elements and a USB socket interface, allowing for simple and reliable magnetic coupling, facilitating easy connection of cables or devices to a USB socket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a USB plug is frequently plugged in and unplugged from a USB socket, then multiple devices can be connected, but the handling becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into two separable parts: a first adapter part with a USB plug and a second adapter part with a USB socket interface. This segmentation allows the cable to remain permanently connected to one adapter part, eliminating repeated plugging and unplugging of the cable itself, while still enabling frequent device connections through the socket interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling device acts as an intermediary between the two adapter parts. It enables quick and reliable connection without manual intervention, serving as a mediator that simplifies the connection process while maintaining the ability to connect multiple devices through the USB interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adapters are used for frequent device connections, then multiple devices can be connected, but the handling remains inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is permanently connected to one adapter part in advance, preparing the connection path before actual device connection is needed. This preliminary action eliminates the time-consuming step of repeatedly plugging and unplugging the cable, allowing users to quickly connect different devices to the USB socket interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling device replaces traditional mechanical connection methods (screws, clips, or simple friction fits) with magnetic attraction. This substitution enables faster, more reliable, and tool-free connection of the two adapter parts, significantly reducing the time required for connection operations.
3Reliability
If a magnetic coupling device is used to join adapter parts, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling device integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical connection, electrical contact alignment, and secure holding under load. By merging these functions into one magnetic coupling mechanism rather than using separate components for each function, the overall device complexity is minimized while maintaining high connection reliability.
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
Enables quick, reliable, and easy connection of cables or devices to a USB socket, reducing the complexity of handling multiple devices and cables, and ensuring secure coupling even under load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first part of a magnetic coupling device... a second part of the magnetic coupling device... wherein the adapter parts are coupled magnetically to each other
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter having two adapter parts is disclosed, and wherein the respective adapter parts are arranged so as to permit the respective adapter parts to be releasably coupled in only one orientation and which facilitates the rapid coupling and decoupling of an electronic device to another device.