Movable Contacts for Flush Electrical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physical connectors on electronic devices occupy significant space, are prone to corrosion, and detract from the aesthetic appearance, while also being potential sources for dust and debris accumulation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of movable contacts with biasing elements, such as springs, positioned flush with the exterior surface of the device, which protrude to establish connections without exposed cavities, minimizing real estate usage and reducing visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional physical connectors are used, then reliable electrical connections can be established, but significant space is occupied and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a traditional planar receptacle design to a three-dimensional protruding contact design. The contacts extend outward from the device surface in the Z-dimension, allowing electrical connection without requiring a deep cavity in the XY-plane, thereby reducing the footprint on the device surface while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The contacts are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to protrude outward to establish connections and retract inward when not in use. This dynamic behavior enables the connector to occupy minimal space on the device surface while maintaining reliable electrical contact when needed.
2Reliability
If conventional physical connectors are used, then electrical connections can be established, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to exposed cavities and visible components
Solution Approach 1:
The contacts dynamically adjust their position, protruding only when a mating connector is present and retracting when not in use. This allows the device surface to maintain a clean, aesthetic appearance during normal use while still providing reliable electrical connection capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
When not in use, the contacts retract inward and nest within the device housing, eliminating exposed cavities and visible connector components. The mating connector effectively nests around the protruding contacts during connection, creating a compact integrated appearance.
3Reliability
If conventional physical connectors with exposed cavities are used, then connections can be established, but dust and debris accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable contacts open up the previously enclosed cavity space during connection, allowing dust and debris to be expelled rather than trapped. When retracted, the contacts present a flush surface that prevents debris accumulation, eliminating the harmful effect of dust trapping while maintaining connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an enclosed cavity to protect contacts, the design inverts the approach by using protruding contacts that expose the connection interface to the external environment. This inversion prevents dust and debris from being trapped in enclosed spaces while still providing reliable electrical connection.
4Reliability
If movable contacts with biasing elements are used, then strong electrical connections are maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element function is extracted and integrated directly into the contact structure itself, rather than being a separate mechanism. This simplification reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to apply sufficient normal force for strong electrical connections.
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 solution enables strong electrical connections with minimal space usage and improved aesthetics by maintaining a clean surface while ensuring reliable contact points.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more contacts can be biased by a biasing element, such as a spring, to protrude from the opening
Implementation Method 2
an alignment feature comprising at least one magnet positioned adjacent to the plurality of openings
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory device including a foldable cover, a keyboard assembly coupled to the foldable cover and including a plurality of individually depressible keys, an attachment feature connected to the enclosure and configured to magnetically couple the accessory device with the electronic device. The attachment feature includes an exterior surface, a plurality of openings formed through the exterior surface, a plurality of movable contacts corresponding in number to the plurality of openings, each movable contact extending out of one of the plurality of openings, and an alignment feature comprising at least one magnet positioned adjacent to the plurality of openings.