Multi-platform modular device

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10148036-B2
Application number	US-201715632112-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 23, 2017
Priority date	Jun 23, 2016
Publication date	Dec 4, 2018
Grant date	Dec 4, 2018

Abstract

A multi-platform modular device including a plurality of platforms or modules. Each module implements a different function and can be connected to another module via a plurality of magnetic contacts. The magnetic contacts can be used for synchronization, communication, and power delivery between the modules.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-platform modular device comprising:
a first module configured to perform a first function and including a first set of electrical contacts; and
a second module configured to perform a second function, the second function being different than the first function, and including a second set of electrical contacts selectively coupleable to the first set of electrical contacts of the first module,
wherein the first set of electrical contacts and the second set of electrical contacts include
a Chicago screw configured to be inserted through a first magnet and a printed circuit board, and
a Chicago nut configured to be inserted opposite the Chicago screw through a second magnet and the printed circuit board to receive the Chicago screw,

wherein, a first electro-mechanical connection is made when the Chicago nut receives the Chicago screw.

2. The multi-platform modular device of claim 1 , wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are countersink doughnut-shaped magnets.

3. The multi-platform modular device of claim 1 , wherein, when the Chicago nut receives the Chicago screw, the Chicago screw covers a top surface of the first magnet and the Chicago nut covers a top surface of the second magnet.

4. The multi-platform modular device of claim 1 , wherein the Chicago screw and the Chicago nut are conductive.

5. The multi-platform modular device of claim 1 , wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are conductive.

6. The multi-platform modular device of claim 1 , wherein a second electro-mechanical connection is formed between the first module and the second module when the first set of electrical contacts is magnetically coupled to the second set of electrical contacts.

7. The multi-platform modular device of claim 6 , wherein the second electro-mechanical connection includes an electrical connection that is formed between a first magnet of the first module and a second magnet of the second module.

8. The multi-platform modular device of claim 6 , wherein the second electro-mechanical connection includes an electrical connection that is formed between a first magnet of the first module and a first magnet of the second module.

9. The multi-platform modular device of claim 6 , wherein the second electro-mechanical connection includes an electrical connection that is formed between a Chicago screw of the first module and a Chicago nut of the second module.

10. The multi-platform modular device of claim 6 , wherein the second electro-mechanical connection includes an electrical connection that is formed between a Chicago screw of the first module and a Chicago screw of the second module.

11. The multi-platform modular device of claim 1 , wherein the first set of electrical contacts includes three Chicago screws, three Chicago nuts, three first magnets, and three second magnets.

12. The multi-platform modular device of claim 11 , wherein the second set of electrical contacts includes three Chicago screws, three Chicago nuts, three first magnets, and three second magnets.

13. A multi-platform modular device including comprising:
a first module configured to perform a first function and including a first set of electrical contacts; and
a second module configured to perform a second function, the second function being different than the first function, and including a second set of electrical contacts selectively coupleable to the first set of electrical contacts of the first module,
wherein the first set of electrical contacts and the second set of electrical contacts include
a magnet,
a Chicago screw configured to be inserted through a first side of a printed circuit board, and
a Chicago nut configured to be inserted opposite the Chicago screw through a second side of the printed circuit board to receive the Chicago screw,

wherein an electro-mechanical connection is made when the Chicago nut receives the Chicago screw, and
wherein the first module and the second module are in electrical communication when one of the first set of electrical contacts on the first module is in contact with one of the second set of electrical contacts on the second module.

14. The multi-platform modular device of claim 13 , wherein the magnet is positioned on the second side of the printed circuit board and configured to receive the Chicago nut.

15. The multi-platform modular device of claim 13 , wherein the magnet is positioned on the first side of the printed circuit board and configured to receive the Chicago screw.

Assignees

• Univ Vanderbilt

Inventors

• Susilo Ekawahyu
• Garbin Nicolo
• Valdastri Pietro

Classifications

• H01R13/621

  Bolt, set screw or screw clamp · CPC title

• G09B19/0069 Primary

  Engineering, e.g. mechanical, electrical design (computer engineering G09B19/0053) · CPC title

• H01R13/6205 Primary

  Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet · CPC title

• G09B23/18

  for electricity or magnetism · CPC title