Sliding Electromagnetic Coupler Alignment for Connector-Free Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data transfer methods between electronic devices, such as wired connections and wireless protocols, face challenges like manual alignment requirements, wear and tear, and inefficient energy transmission over long distances, with concerns about electromagnetic emissions.

Innovation Solution

A data processing system with electro-magnetic couplers on the exterior casing of electronic devices, featuring sliding surfaces that automatically align when devices are brought together, allowing for high-speed data communication without manual intervention and minimizing electromagnetic leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connections with connectors are used for data transfer, then data communication reliability is improved, but manual alignment is required and connectors experience wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication reliabilityVSAvoidmanual alignment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connector system with an electromagnetic coupling system. Two electromagnetic couplers are positioned on opposite sides of a table surface, allowing data transmission through the table without physical contact. This eliminates mechanical wear and simplifies connection to merely placing devices on opposite sides of the table.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The table surface acts as an intermediary medium that supports the electromagnetic coupling. The electromagnetic fields pass through the table material (which has appropriate electromagnetic properties) to establish communication between devices on opposite sides, eliminating the need for direct device-to-device connector alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless protocols like Bluetooth are used for data communication, then connection convenience is improved, but energy loss increases and electromagnetic emission concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection convenienceVSAvoidtransmission energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic couplers are positioned in fixed locations on opposite sides of the table, creating localized electromagnetic fields concentrated through the table thickness. This focused field configuration reduces energy dispersion and transmission losses compared to omnidirectional wireless protocols like Bluetooth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses electromagnetic emission concerns by confining the electromagnetic fields to a localized path through the table. The table material acts as a shield that contains the fields, reducing harmful emissions into the surrounding environment while maintaining efficient communication through the intended path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If electromagnetic couplers are aligned manually for surface connection, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but alignment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidalignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic couplers are pre-positioned on fixed locations of opposite sides of the table during manufacturing. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during use - users simply place devices on the designated areas, and the pre-aligned couplers automatically establish optimal electromagnetic coupling for efficient data transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 convenient, wear-resistant, and efficient data communication by automatically aligning electro-magnetic couplers through gravity, reducing the need for mechanical guides and minimizing electromagnetic interference, while maintaining high transmission directivity and stability.

Implementation Method 1

surface connection is established between the couplers at the point of alignment to enable high speed data communication between the two electronic devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

upon the first and second electronic devices being urged together by a force in a direction inclined to at least one the sliding surface, one of the electronic devices slides along the at least one the sliding surface to bring the data transfer electro-magnetic couplers into alignment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10855334B2System comprising a first electronic device with a depression engaging with a second electronic device with a protrusion for providing data transfer therebetween

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

A data processing system is proposed which comprises two electronic devices, each of them having an electro-magnetic coupler embedded on the exterior casing, at least one of the electronic device having one or more sliding surfaces for directing relative movement between the two devices, such that they automatically come into correct alignment during the sliding.