Magnetic Connector System for Wearable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face design challenges due to the need for compact, unobtrusive power and data connectivity solutions that do not encumber the user's hands, while maintaining portability and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic connector system featuring a conductive connector pin and magnetic ground return, combined with a conductive magnetic sleeve and power contact, which magnetically latch to form an electrical connection, allowing for power and data transfer between devices without the need for manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a wearable electronic device uses a traditional wired connection for power and data transfer, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the user's hands are encumbered and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical wired connection system with a magnetic field-based connection system. The magnetic connector uses magnetic attraction forces to establish electrical contact between the wearable device and external devices, eliminating the need for manual plugging and unplugging of physical wires while maintaining reliable electrical connection for power and data transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connector enables automatic connection and disconnection through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces. When the wearable device approaches an external device, the magnetic fields automatically align and establish electrical contact without user intervention, and disconnection occurs automatically when separated, making the device self-servicing in terms of connection management
2Ease of operation
If a magnetic connector system is used for hands-free connection, then ease of operation is improved, but connection stability and electrical contact reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic latching mechanism with the electrical contact system into a unified connector design. The magnetic sleeve and magnetic ground return work together to simultaneously provide magnetic attraction for connection stability and electrical contact pathways for power and data transfer, ensuring both ease of operation and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates rotationally symmetric contact planes with curved or rounded contact surfaces. This spherical or cylindrical geometry allows the magnetic fields to align automatically from any rotational orientation, ensuring reliable electrical contact is established regardless of the approach angle, thereby maintaining connection stability while enabling easy hands-free operation
3Volume of moving object
If a compact connector design is implemented for wearable devices, then device size is reduced, but the complexity of ensuring proper alignment and contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric magnetic pole arrangements within the compact connector structure. By positioning north and south poles at specific asymmetric locations on the magnetic sleeve and magnetic ground return, the design creates a unique magnetic field pattern that guides automatic alignment during connection, reducing the complexity of achieving proper contact orientation within the compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connector design integrates multiple functions into a single compact component: the magnetic sleeve provides both magnetic attraction for connection and structural alignment guidance, while the connector pin and power contact simultaneously establish electrical pathways for power transfer, data communication, and ground reference. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall alignment process
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 secure, hands-free power and data exchange for wearable devices, enhancing convenience and design flexibility by providing a compact, rotationally symmetric connection mechanism that maintains contact through magnetic latching and spring biasing.
Implementation Method 1
The end face of the magnetic sleeve magnetically latches onto the first ground return face when the second contact plane is positioned in opposing relation to the first contact plane
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic connector system includes a connector receptacle having a connector pin in coaxial arrangement with a magnetic ground return and a connector insert having a power contact in coaxial arrangement with a magnetic sleeve. A power and/or data connection is formed between the power contact and the connector pin when an end face of the magnetic ground return is magnetically latched to an end face of the magnetic sleeve.