Retractable Charger Connector Using Magnetic State Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chargers have electrical connectors that protrude outwardly and remain fixed, leading to wear and tear, and their complex structures result in higher design costs.
Innovation Solution
A charger design featuring a housing with a movable cover and cassette, allowing the electrical connector to switch between a protruding state for charging and a non-protruding state for protection, utilizing magnets for alignment and an elastic member for state switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical connector remains fixed and protruding from the charger, then the charging function is always available, but the electrical connector is prone to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between protruding (for charging) and retracted (for protection) states. This resolves the contradiction by making the connector durable through retraction while maintaining charging availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector automatically protrudes before charging is needed (when the electronic device is placed on the charging surface) and retracts after charging is complete. This preliminary action protects the connector from wear during non-charging periods while ensuring it is ready for charging when required.
2Reliability
If the electrical connector is designed to be movable to reduce wear, then the connector durability is improved, but the charger structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector automatically switches between protruding and retracted states using magnetic attraction and elastic restoration forces, without requiring external control mechanisms. The connector serves itself by responding to the presence or absence of an electronic device, thereby improving durability while avoiding complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a combination of magnetic fields and elastic forces. The magnetic attraction mechanism (using magnets in the charging surface) and elastic restoration (using elastic members) provide a simpler, more reliable way to achieve connector movement compared to traditional mechanical actuators.
3Reliability
If magnets and elastic members are added to enable connector movement, then the connector durability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive magnetic elements and elastic members that can be easily integrated into the charging surface and connector assembly. These components are simple, mass-producible parts that provide the necessary functionality without requiring expensive materials or complex manufacturing processes.
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 charger effectively reduces wear on the electrical connector by retracting it when not in use, simplifying the design and lowering costs while maintaining efficient charging functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the first anti-misalignment device is configured to magnetically approach each other with a second anti-misalignment device of the electronic device to enable a switching of the charger from the second state to the first state
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member, the elastic member connecting a carrier to which the first electrical connector is connected with the cover, the elastic member being configured to actuate or enable the charger to switch from the first state to the second state
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present application disclose a charger comprising a housing that includes a cassette and a cover having a first charging surface, the cover being provided with a charging port, and a first electrical connector being provided corresponding to the charging port; wherein the first electrical connector and the housing are movable relative to each other to enable switching of the charger between a first state and a second state. The charger is designed to include the first state in which the first electrical connector is protruding from the first charging surface and the second state in which the first electrical connector is not protruding from the charging surface, so that the configuration of the charger can be flexibly adjusted in conjunction with the use of the charger, and the simplicity in design and cost-effectiveness, which promotes the widespread use of the charger.