Tapered Electronic Connector with Magnetic Self-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic connectors face challenges in providing a user-friendly, compact, and efficient method for establishing electrical connections, particularly in terms of alignment and size, while maintaining signal integrity and data transfer rates.
Innovation Solution
A male electronic connector with a tapered extension and magnetically attractable elements, which allows for self-alignment and secure connection with a female connector, reducing the connector's form factor and enabling higher data transfer rates through improved signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional rectangular connector design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but alignment during insertion is difficult and connector size is larger
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a tapered geometry where the distal end is narrower than the proximal end, creating a conical shape that facilitates self-alignment during insertion. This curved/tapered form replaces the traditional rectangular prism shape, enabling automatic orientation and reducing misalignment issues while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding processes.
2Length of moving object
If connector length is reduced for compactness, then device size decreases, but connection stability and signal integrity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered conical shape allows the connector to achieve compact length while maintaining connection stability. The narrowing toward the distal end creates a precise fitting interface that ensures stable electrical contact, while the overall shortened form factor enables compact device design without compromising reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If connector size is reduced for portability, then device portability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design utilizes specific taper angle parameters that balance compactness with manufacturability. By optimizing the taper angle within a defined range, the design achieves reduced volume while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard precision molding capabilities, avoiding excessively tight tolerance requirements.
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 tapered design and magnetic elements facilitate easy alignment and secure connection, reducing the connector's size and improving signal integrity, enabling higher data transfer rates and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic connector may further include one or more magnetically attractable elements that assist in securing the electronic connector to a corresponding female electronic connector
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic connector includes a base, a tapered extension protruding from the base, and a nose forming a terminal end of the tapered extension. The tapered extension includes first and second connection faces tapering toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a first symmetry plane. The tapered extension further includes first and second flank surfaces that form respective opposing sides of the tapered extension between the first and second connection faces. The first and second flank surfaces may taper toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a second symmetry plane. The tapered extension further includes a set of electrical contacts located along the first and second connection faces. The electronic connector may further include one or more magnetically attractable elements.