Device Interfaces With Non-Mechanical Securement Mechanisms
First Claim
1. A device and a connector, comprising:
- a body of the device with an outer surface, the body having a recessed portion of the outer surface;
a magnet arranged within the body, first and second electrical contacts passing through corresponding openings in the outer surface at the recessed portion;
the connector comprising third and fourth electrical contacts; and
wherein when the connector is mated with the recessed portion;
the connector fits into the recessed portion and magnet attraction of the magnet to the connector provides connective force between the connector and the device, the first and third electrical contacts contact each other, and the second and fourth electrical contacts contact each other.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A number of device interfaces that may use magnetic forces to secure different devices together are disclosed. The device interfaces may include magnetic material positioned in between parallel rows of electrical contact elements in the devices. Magnetic forces may be exerted on and from the electrical contact elements to cause mutually cooperating elements from the devices to be substantially attracted and drawn towards each other. Once the contact elements make contact and are engaged, their mutual attractive forces may cause them to resist being separated. Additionally, the distal ends of the contact elements may have mutually cooperating male and female engagement surface configurations.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A device and a connector, comprising:
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a body of the device with an outer surface, the body having a recessed portion of the outer surface; a magnet arranged within the body, first and second electrical contacts passing through corresponding openings in the outer surface at the recessed portion; the connector comprising third and fourth electrical contacts; and wherein when the connector is mated with the recessed portion;
the connector fits into the recessed portion and magnet attraction of the magnet to the connector provides connective force between the connector and the device, the first and third electrical contacts contact each other, and the second and fourth electrical contacts contact each other. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A computing device comprising:
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a processor, memory, a rechargeable battery, and a first body; a first electrical connector comprising; a recess in the first body, two electrical contacts within the recess, each having a concave contact surface; and a magnet arranged within the body and providing a magnetic field within the recess. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus, comprising:
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a first electrical connector that is part of a connector cable and a second electrical connector that is part of a computing device, the first electrical connector and second electrical connector connecting the connector cable with the device; the first electrical connector comprising; a body including a protruding portion and a first surface; a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact within the first surface; and magnetically attractable material; and the second electrical connector comprising a third electrical contact and a fourth electrical contact; wherein when the first connector is connected to the second connector;
the first electrical contact contacts the third electrical contact, the second electrical contact contacts the fourth electrical contact, and magnetic pull of the magnet on the magnetically attractable material causes the first connector to stay connected to the second connector. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification