Magnet position detection in a magnetic connector
AssigneeNanoport Technology Inc.
InventorTimothy Jing Yin SZETO
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device is magnetically interconnectable to another device by way of a magnetic connector. Within a cavity of the magnetic connector, a magnet is movable between a first and second position. An external magnet in the other device may urge the magnet into the first position in the cavity. A magnetic stop within the device magnetically attracts the magnet towards the second position in the cavity. A sensor detects the magnet in one of the first position and second position. The position of the magnet may be used to determine whether devices are connected or disconnected from each other.
Claims20
A device magnetically interconnectable to another device, comprising:
- a body defining a cavity;
- a magnet received within said cavity, movable between a first position and a second position in said cavity, and magnetically interconnectable with an external magnet in said another device that urges said magnet to said first position;
- a magnetic stop magnetically attracting said magnet toward said second position in said cavity;
- and
- a sensor to detect said magnet in one of said first position and said second position.
A method of detecting a position of a magnet in a device magnetically interconnectable to another device, comprising:
- biasing said magnet, received within a cavity defined by a body and magnetically interconnectable with an external magnet in said another device in a first position in said cavity, into a second position in said cavity;
- and
- detecting said magnet in one of said first position and said second position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.