Modular Electric System Magnetic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular electric systems face challenges with scalability, as existing mechanical connectors wear out and are visually unappealing, increasing the risk of wrong connections and damage due to short circuits, while also being costly.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnet elements on the base and load modules for holding and positioning, ensuring correct alignment and preventing incorrect connections, with magnet elements embedded in the substrate to maintain aesthetics and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical connectors (screws, tags, snap-on connections) are used for positioning load modules, then correct positioning is achieved, but the connectors wear out with time and have limited lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical connectors (screws, tags, snap-on connections) with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Magnets embedded in the base module and corresponding magnetic elements on load modules create magnetic attraction forces that hold modules in correct positions without physical contact, eliminating wear and extending lifetime while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If standard electrical connectors are used for power supply and data transmission, then electrical connections are established, but the connectors are bulky and visible, decreasing the beauty of the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical electrical connectors with contactless power and data transmission technologies. This includes inductive coupling, magnetic coupling, or wireless communication methods that eliminate visible connectors, maintaining electrical connectivity while achieving a clean, aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates electrical connection functionality within the magnetic positioning system. The same magnetic field interaction that provides mechanical positioning also enables contactless power and data transmission, nesting multiple functions within a single integrated system rather than using separate connectors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical contacts are added between parts for scalability, then power supply and data transmission capabilities are enhanced, but the risk of wrong connections and short circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect the position and orientation of load modules relative to the base module. The system provides tactile or visual feedback to guide correct placement, and only establishes electrical connections when proper alignment is detected, preventing wrong connections even as the number of contacts increases for enhanced scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical connector alignment systems with magnetic field-based positioning and contactless electrical transmission. The magnetic fields provide inherent guidance for correct positioning, and the contactless nature of power/data transmission eliminates the risk of short circuits between multiple contacts, enabling safe scalability.
4Reliability
If safety circuits are added to prevent damage from wrong connections, then protection against short circuits is improved, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex safety circuitry with a magnetic field-based positioning and connection system. The magnetic fields inherently guide correct module placement and enable contactless power transmission, eliminating the need for additional safety circuits to prevent short circuits, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving 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 easy, secure, and cost-effective removable placement of load modules on the base module, reducing the risk of wrong connections and enhancing design flexibility, while providing tactile feedback for correct positioning.
Implementation Method 1
said holding means of said base module and said load module comprise magnet elements which are arranged relative to each other such that the load module is removably held in said first position and is not held in said second position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular electric system with a base module (2, 11) comprising a substrate (3, 12), a power supply (40), power/data transmission means (4, 16) and holding means; at least one load module (7, 20, 30) comprising an electric load, a power/data receiving means (8, 26) and a holding means, said load module (7, 20, 30) being adapted to be placeable on said substrate (3, 12) in first and second positions, wherein in said first position (connecting position) the transmission means (4, 16) of said base module interact with said receiving means (8, 26) of said load module (7, 20, 30) and in said second position (repelling position) interaction of said transmission means (4, 16) and said receiving means (26) is not allowed or possible. The modular electric system is characterized in that said holding means of said base module and said load module comprise magnet elements (5, 9, 49, 59) which are arranged relative to each other such that the load module (7, 20, 30) is removably held in said first position and is not held in said second position.