Connectors for delivery of power
A connector includes a connector insert comprising a first plurality of electrical contacts configured to electrically couple, in a mated position, with a second plurality of electrical contacts within a connector receptacle housing accessible via a first surface of a computing device; and a non-magnetic connector insert housing configured to mechanically couple, in the mated position, with a second surface of the computing device. A computing system includes a connector insert comprising a first plurality of electrical contacts; a computing device comprising a connector receptacle housing accessible via a first surface of the computing device, the connector receptacle housing comprising magnetic elements and a second plurality of electrical contacts configured to electrically couple, in a mated position, with the first plurality of electrical contacts in the connector insert; and a non-magnetic connector insert housing configured to mechanically couple, in the mated position, with a second surface.
1. A connector operable with a computing device, the connector comprising:
a connector insert comprising a first plurality of electrical contacts configured to electrically couple with a second plurality of electrical contacts in the computing device via an opening through a side surface of the computing device, when the connector is mated with the computing device; and
a non-magnetic connector insert housing having a cavity within which the connector insert is housed, the non-magnetic connector insert housing being configured to mechanically couple with the computing device at a top surface of the computing device, when the connector is mated with the computing device.
2. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the connector insert comprises a cable end configured to deliver received electrical power to the first plurality of electrical contacts.
3. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the non-magnetic connector insert housing comprises an end portion configured to rest in a space between a display screen and a keyboard of the computing device, when the connector is mated with the computing device.
4. The connector of claim 1 , wherein dimensions of the non-magnetic connector insert housing are based on dimensions of the computing device.
5. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the non-magnetic connector insert housing comprises a protective strip along its edge to protect the computing device from damage resulting from incidental contact with the non-magnetic connector insert housing.
6. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the non-magnetic connector insert housing comprises a finger indent affordance that indicates where force may be applied to dislodge the non-magnetic connector insert housing, when the connector is mated with the computing device.
7. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a cable holder receptacle configured to retain a cable.
8. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the connector insert is separable from the non-magnetic connector insert housing.
9. The connector of claim 8 , wherein the connector insert comprises a spring mechanism that cooperates with the non-magnetic connector insert housing to enhance the electrical coupling between the first plurality of electrical contacts and the second plurality of electrical contacts, and to enhance contact between the non-magnetic connector insert housing and the side and top surfaces of the computing device, when the connector is mated with the computing device.
10. The connector of claim 8 , wherein the non-magnetic connector insert housing comprises a locking channel configured to cooperate with a tab on the connector insert to substantially prevent separation of the connector insert when inserted into the non-magnetic connector insert housing.
11. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the non-magnetic connector insert housing comprises a clip and an elastic section coupled between the clip and the connector insert, and wherein the clip attaches to a surface opposite to the side surface of the computing device and the elastic section pulls the connector insert towards the connector receptacle, when the connector is mated with the computing device.
12. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the non-magnetic connector insert housing is further configured to contact both the side surface and the top surface of the computing device when the connector is mated with the computing device.