Apparatus for electrically coupling contacts by magnetic forces

摘要

A system is described that consists of components that are magnetically and electronically coupled together. The electronic coupling allows signals and power/ground to couple between the various components. The magnetic coupling allows the portable system to come apart without damaging the components when an element of a component gets unexpectedly snagged after passing an obstacle. The components can be easily collected and reassembled to reconstruct the system. Furthermore, the positioning of the magnets in the magnetic coupling provides a lock and key combination in that the pattern and anti-pattern between mating surface couplings can be designed to only allow one orientation when the units are coupled. This restriction in orientation prevents the power leads from shorting to ground or other signal leads during the reassembly thereby preventing damage to the system.

主权项

1. A portable system comprising:
an ear phone coupled to a first tail, the first tail including two or more magnets and at least one electrical contact; a first mate coupled to a first end of a connector cord, the first mate including two or more magnets and at least one electrical contact; a first magnetic force of attraction between the two or more magnets in the first tail and the two or more magnets of the first mate mates the at least one electrical contact of the first tail to the at least one electrical contact of the first mate; an electronic system coupled to a second tail, the second tail including two or more magnets and at least one electrical contact; a second mate coupled to a second end of the connector cord, the second mate including two or more magnets and at least one electrical contact; and a second magnetic force of attraction between the two or more magnets in the second tail and the two or more magnets of the second mate mates the at least one electrical contact of the second tail to the at least one electrical contact of the second mate.