Importance

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Abstract

For electronic experimental breadboards, connections can be made quickly, inexpensively using magnetic connectors. One way to accomplish this is by using hook-up wires with horseshoe- or U-shaped magnets at one or both of its ends. A U-shaped magnet can be inserted onto a cylindrical terminal post and also can be removed quickly with little effort. The magnet would hang on to a ferrous post by magnetic attraction. If the magnet should be of ceramic material and non-conductive, then the magnet would be coated with a conductive paint. To avoid magnets from sticking together, spacers are used, either by attaching plastic wafers or rings to the post or by providing grooves of the proper width in the post itself to receive the magnet. If spring terminals are used, instead of cylindrical posts, then the magnets are disc-shaped and placed on top of a terminal. A projected cylindrical portion at the bottom of each magnet drops into the terminal's central hole to keep the magnet in position centrally. A cavity is provided on top of each magnet to enable another such magnet to be placed centrally on top. A plastic ring is adhered, by cementing, to the top of each magnet to keep them apart and permit easier removal. Hence, a user has the choice either of inserting hook-up wire ends between coils of a spring terminal or of connecting one terminal to another using a disc-shaped magnet. Two or more independent terminals, side by side, can be patched almost simultaneously by using a plastic sleeve to envelop and hold together two or more magnets. Hence, two U-shaped magnets, held together by a plastic sleeve, can be applied to two posts. They also can be removed from two posts almost simultaneously. The method of patching suggested here encourages creative experimenting on the part of the student and researcher.

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First Claim