US 8,608,502 B2 · Connection mechanism

Abstract

A connection mechanism between two components may use one or metallic pins that are magnetically extended when the components are engaged, and a sloped groove that retracts and unlocks the pins when the components are rotated. The components are locked in place by the pins during engagement. Disengagement may be performed by rotating the two components with respect to each other. The connection mechanism may include one or more magnets mounted on either or both components. The magnets may be arranged to attract the components when the components are in the locking orientation and to repel the components when the components are rotated to an unlocked position. The connection mechanism may include electrical connections between the components.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A connection mechanism comprising:

a first component comprising:
a first curved engagement face having a first radius about a primary axis;
a locking pin having a retracted position and an extended position, said locking pin being magnetically attractive;
a second component comprising:
a second curved engagement face having a second radius about said primary axis;
a slot in said second curved engagement face that:
forms a lip that receives said locking pin in said extended position, said locking pin being received in a locking area of said lip;
comprises a transition from said second curved engagement face to said locking area;
a magnet disposed proximal to said locking area such that to cause said locking pin to change to said locked position.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Connection mechanism

Life of this patent

Connection mechanism

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20