Connectors with movable magnetic components and method of connecting devices
US10446948B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2250/16
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A connector for an electronic device has a housing with a peripheral surface and guides defining first and second paths. The second path extends from a first location proximate the peripheral surface to a second location farther from the peripheral surface and closer to the first path. A magnetic contact assembly in the housing is magnetically movable along the first path between a first position for joining the connector in data communication with an adjacent connector, and a second position withdrawn from the peripheral surface. A magnet in the housing and is movable by attraction to an adjacent connector along the second path, to magnetically hold the connector to an adjacent connector. The guides are configured so that the magnet and the magnetic contact assembly magnetically bias one another inwardly along the first and second paths.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.