Modular Magnetic Power Connections for Flexible Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical power supply systems are difficult to install, non-extendible, and often unsafe due to operating at line voltages, making them unsuitable for flexible use and posing safety risks near humans or animals, while modular systems are expensive, bulky, and limited in flexibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical power supply system utilizing magnetic and ferrous components for physical and electrical connections between modules, allowing for easy installation, rearrangement, and safe operation by focusing magnetic flux to enhance attachment strength and conductivity, while enabling flexible power delivery and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrical power supply systems are used, then power delivery is reliable, but installation is difficult and the system is non-extendible
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power supply system is divided into modular components (power delivery module and functional modules) that can be independently installed and connected. Each module contains conductors and magnetic components that can be assembled separately and then connected through magnetic attraction, enabling easy extension and reconfiguration without complex construction work.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems (screws, clips, or snap-fits) with a magnetic connection system. The ferrous conductors and magnets create automatic mechanical attraction that holds modules together while allowing for easy separation and reconfiguration, significantly simplifying installation and modification.
2Power
If modular electrical systems operate at line voltages, then power delivery capability is sufficient, but safety risks increase near humans or animals
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power delivery function from the magnetic connection function. The magnetic components (magnets and ferrous conductors) handle only mechanical attachment and low-voltage electrical connections, while the actual high-power delivery is isolated to specific conductive paths within modules. This segmentation allows the magnetic connection system itself to be safe for proximity use while still enabling high-power applications when properly connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrous conductors serve as intermediaries that channel magnetic flux while also providing controlled electrical conduction paths. These conductors mediate between the magnetic field (which needs to be strong for attachment) and the electrical power delivery (which needs to be safe), allowing the system to achieve both strong magnetic attraction and safe electrical operation.
3Ease of operation
If modular systems use traditional connection methods, then electrical connection is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the conductor components: the ferrous conductors simultaneously serve as magnetic flux channels, electrical conductors, and mechanical connection elements. By combining these functions into single integrated components rather than separate elements, the system achieves strong magnetic attraction and reliable electrical connection without requiring additional bulk for separate connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrous conductors are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support, channel magnetic flux from the magnets, conduct electrical power and data signals, and enable mechanical attachment through magnetic attraction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall system bulk while maintaining connection simplicity.
4Reliability
If modular power systems enforce strict polarity mapping, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but connection flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection system uses asymmetric magnetic pole arrangements (north and south poles) that create directional magnetic attraction. This asymmetric magnetic field configuration naturally guides modules into proper alignment during connection, ensuring correct polarity mapping through the magnetic attraction direction rather than requiring complex mechanical orientation constraints. The asymmetry provides both reliability (through enforced correct alignment) and flexibility (through natural self-alignment).
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 system facilitates easy installation and rearrangement of power supply modules, ensuring safe operation at lower voltages, reducing bulkiness, and providing flexible power delivery and data transmission, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the conductor and the peg is formed of a ferrous material and is configured to channel and focus magnetic flux from the magnet
Implementation Method 2
a magnet, a conductor formed around the magnet
Implementation Method 3
the conductor and the peg are configured to electrically conduct at least one of power and data to the circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
Functional modules of a modular system include a magnet and at least two conductors, at least one of which is movable into the functional module and at least one of which is formed of ferrous material. The movable conductor is biased against movement into the functional module and is positioned such that it contacts a power delivery conductor before the other conductor of the functional module contacts another power delivery conductor. The magnet provides attraction between the functional module and a power delivery module that assists in overcoming the bias against movement of the movable conductor into the functional module.