Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same

摘要

Electrical connectors, electrical modules, and systems are provided. In one aspect, an electrical connector includes a housing defining a side surface, an electrical conductor supported by the housing and including an engagement portion proximate the side surface of the housing. The engagement portion is adapted to engage another electrical conductor of another electrical connector. The connector also includes a magnet supported by the housing proximate the side surface of the housing, a projection extending from the side surface of the housing, and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing. In other aspects, an electrical module includes at least one of these electrical connectors. In further aspects, a system includes a plurality of these modules and the modules are selectively couplable together.

主权项

1. An electrical connector, comprising:
a housing including a side surface; an electrical conductor supported by the housing and including an engagement portion proximate the side surface of the housing, the engagement portion being adapted to engage an electrical conductor of a second electrical connector; a magnet supported by the housing proximate the side surface of the housing, the magnet adapted to engage another magnet of the second electrical connector; a projection extending from the side surface of the housing; and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing, the projection being adapted to insert into a second receptacle defined in the second electrical connector and the receptacle being adapted to receive a second projection on the second electrical connector, the projection and the receptacle being shaped to inhibit substantial movement of the electrical connector and the second electrical connector relative to each other in at least one direction when the second projection is in the receptacle and the projection is in the second receptacle.