Modular Audio Recorder With Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature audio recorders face challenges in integrating all components into a tiny space while maintaining autonomy, as the size of the battery and number of additional components must be minimized to conserve space and extend recording duration.
Innovation Solution
A modular approach is introduced, where a main device with a sensor, processor, and battery is magnetically connected to an additional device housing optional circuits like a wireless transmitter or GPS, using guiding elements and adjustable contacts for precise positioning and electrical connection, with protection circuits to prevent short circuits and ensure safe power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the battery size is increased to extend recording duration, then the autonomy is improved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a main unit and separate additional components (wireless transmitter, GPS, etc.) that can be attached when needed. This segmentation allows the core recorder to remain compact while autonomy and functionality can be extended by adding modules only when required, rather than including all components permanently.
Solution Approach 2:
The device configuration is made dynamic and adaptable through modular attachments. The recorder can transition between different operational states by connecting or disconnecting additional components via magnetic coupling, allowing the system to optimize between compact size and extended functionality based on immediate needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are integrated into the main device to extend functionality, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a core recorder and separate functional modules (wireless transmitter, GPS, additional battery). Each module performs a specific function and can be independently attached or removed, reducing the complexity of the main device while maintaining versatility through optional combinations of modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional components are designed with universal interfaces (magnetic coupling, guiding elements, electrical contacts) that allow them to be attached to the main device in different configurations. This universal interface design enables multiple functional combinations without requiring separate specialized connections for each component type.
3Volume of moving object
If additional components are provided in separate housing to maintain compact size, then the device volume is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, latches) are replaced with magnetic coupling between the main device and additional components. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical assembly operations, allowing users to simply attach or detach modules by bringing them close together, where magnetic attraction automatically secures the connection and establishes electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system provides self-aligning and self-securing functionality. The guiding elements on both the main device and additional components ensure proper positioning automatically during attachment, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment. The magnetic force automatically holds the components together once attached, providing self-servicing operation.
4Reliability
If contacts are made rigid to ensure reliable electrical connection, then the reliability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact system transitions from rigid fixed-length contacts to flexible adjustable-length contacts. The flexibility allows the contacts to adapt to slight variations in positioning and alignment during attachment, while the adjustable length ensures reliable electrical connection is maintained regardless of minor dimensional tolerances or assembly variations.
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
This modular design allows for efficient integration of additional components, extending the recorder's autonomy and functionality while maintaining a compact size, ensuring reliable operation and easy mounting of components like microphones and data transfer via USB connectors.
Implementation Method 1
the first housing or the second housing comprises at least one magnet cooperating with a metallic part on the second or the first housing, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
In a modular approach to complement a miniature multimedia recorder with additional components, provision is made for a miniature multimedia recorder set comprising a main device and an additional device, the main device comprising at least a sensor such as an audio or audio/video acquisition unit, a processor, a memory and a battery, and the additional device comprising an optional circuit for the main device, said main device comprising a first housing and said additional device comprising a second housing, characterized in that the first housing or the second housing comprises at least one magnet cooperating with a metallic part on the second or the first housing, respectively, said first and second housing comprising guiding elements to ensure proper positioning between the first and the second housing.