Magnetic Connector Charging Port for Consumer Device

[goldenfab]

Hi,

I'm working on a consumer device with a small rechargeable battery. I have just enough space for a micro usb/usb c connector. I would like to use a magnetic detachable connection. Rather than coming up with something from scratch does anyone know of any open format designs with a similar form factor?

Thanks
Ada,

 

[VEBill]

"...I have just enough space for a micro usb/usb c connector. I would like to use a magnetic detachable connection."

You could choose either of the usual Micro USB or USB C socket, and then add the typical aftermarket magnetic connector charging cable (that come with the tiny magnetic fitting that nearly disappears into the device's USB socket).

Many consumers would appreciate the charging cable being easily replaceable, as opposed to building-in the (inherently non-standard) magnetic connection.

 

[IRstuff]

The trend is obviously going away from custom, or even certain standard connectors. My most recent purchased shaver uses microUSB to charge the battery(!!!), even though the manufacturer's charging cord/connector were somewhat standardized before.

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[goldenfab]

Thanks for the feedback. I agree with both of you. My first choice is micro usb. I really like building off of standardized things that work and people use/readily available. Since my choice to use micro usb was vetoed because of concerns with debris getting in the usb port and not wanting the hassle of a dust cap as well as the breakaway aspect (the device that charges would sometimes need to be hastily grabbed from charging).

 

[MacGyverS2000]

What about inductive power transfer?

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[VEBill]

There are no concerns about dust so long as the magnetic receptacle remains inserted into the Micro USB socket.

They can be nearly flush. If that's not good enough, then design the case of the consumer device to allow the (selected) magnetic receptacle to sit flush. Then don't tell anyone about the Micro USB socket hidden behind the device-half of the magnetic connector pair. You'd have to specify a specific magnetic connector PN to make it fit flush. Glue it in place if required to end any further vetoes.

The advantage of this sort of Off-the-Shelf approach is that this aspect of the design could be completed almost immediately. The alternative is trying to track down a supplier of the bits and pieces needed, which of course was your original question.

 

[goldenfab]

An inductive charger would be nice but is probably overkill.

I am liking the idea of the hidden usb socket behind the magnetic connector.

 

[VEBill]

Personally, I'd give up the precisely flush aspect if required to make it more-easily replaceable in the future. In other words, make the USB socket perfectly normal, so that it would accept any magnetic connector set. Then include the very best, thinnest profile, magnetic charging cable set that you can source. Hopefully it would only protrude by several millimeters. This is a trade-off. Perhaps there's a clever combination that addresses both considerations.

Another point to be aware of is to design your the circuitry inside your gadget so that the battery cannot be shorted by stray metal getting across the magnetic contacts. I think it's obvious that magnetic contacts are inherently more exposed than would be a recessed USB socket. So pay particular attention to inclusion of something like a suitable diode to prevent short circuits. Oftentimes, the embedded battery charger/controller will include this feature. But good to make sure.