Automatic connectors
First Claim
1. A device comprising:
- a device surface;
at least one cavity having an interior end, an exterior end, and an opening through the device surface at the exterior end; and
a plurality of connector elements movable within the at least one cavity, each of the connector elements having a respective contact surface, the connector elements movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein;
in the retracted position, the respective contact surface of a respective connector element is located within the at least one cavity at a predetermined distance from the exterior end of the at least one cavity;
in the extended position, the respective connector element is positioned for contacting the respective contact surface with a respective external contact element positioned proximate to the exterior end of the cavity to form an electrical connection between the respective connector element and the respective external contact element;
a first subset of the plurality of connector elements are selectively extendable for establishing a first type of electrical connection to enable transfer of electrical power;
a second subset of the plurality of connector elements are selectively extendable for establishing a second type of electrical connection to enable transfer of data; and
both the first subset and the second subset are selectively extendable concurrently for establishing a third type of electrical connection to enable transfer of both electrical power and data.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Some implementations provide a connector element that may be movable from a retracted position within a cavity to an extended position for contacting an external contact element that may be positioned proximate to an exterior end of the cavity. In some implementations, at least one of the external contact element or the connector element may include a magnet for causing the connector element to extend from the retracted position into contact with the external contact element for forming an electrical connection. In some implementations, a mechanical actuator may be provided for extending the connector element into contact with the external contact element. In some implementations, an actuator having a motive element may extend the connector element into contact with the external contact element based on a detected proximity or an identification of an accessory associated with the external contact element. Some implementations may also include an optical connection.
24 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A device comprising:
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a device surface; at least one cavity having an interior end, an exterior end, and an opening through the device surface at the exterior end; and a plurality of connector elements movable within the at least one cavity, each of the connector elements having a respective contact surface, the connector elements movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein; in the retracted position, the respective contact surface of a respective connector element is located within the at least one cavity at a predetermined distance from the exterior end of the at least one cavity; in the extended position, the respective connector element is positioned for contacting the respective contact surface with a respective external contact element positioned proximate to the exterior end of the cavity to form an electrical connection between the respective connector element and the respective external contact element; a first subset of the plurality of connector elements are selectively extendable for establishing a first type of electrical connection to enable transfer of electrical power; a second subset of the plurality of connector elements are selectively extendable for establishing a second type of electrical connection to enable transfer of data; and both the first subset and the second subset are selectively extendable concurrently for establishing a third type of electrical connection to enable transfer of both electrical power and data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method comprising:
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sensing, by a sensor of a first device, a presence of a second device, the first device including a plurality of connector elements retracted within one or more cavities in the first device; and based at least in part on the sensing, selectively extending a subset of connector elements of the plurality of connector elements to form an electrical connection between the first device and the second device. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A connector apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of connector elements moveable within at least one cavity, wherein; respective connector elements are movable from a retracted position within the at least one cavity to an extended position for contacting with respective external contact elements able to be positioned proximate to at least one opening of the at least one cavity; a first subset of connector elements of the plurality of connector elements are selectively extendable for establishing a first type of electrical connection; and a second subset of connector elements of the plurality of connector elements are selectively extendable for establishing a second type of electrical connection. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification