Angled Catch Face Fastener for One-Step Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for clothing and lingerie, such as magnetic brassiere back closures, require a two-step procedure for closing, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, particularly for disabled individuals who may benefit from a simpler one-step fastening mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system featuring a front element with angled catch faces and a cylindrical magnet, paired with a back element having a complementary cylindrical bump and magnet, allowing for automatic alignment and secure attachment in a single step, with the magnets' polarization ensuring self-centering and resistance to forces while preventing direct contact with the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a magnetic brassiere back closure with male and female elements is used, then the closing operation is facilitated, but the closing procedure requires two steps (alignment perpendicular to the plane, then shifting parallel to the plane)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment function and the fastening function into a single simultaneous action. The angled catch faces are designed so that when the elements are brought together perpendicular to the plane, the magnets guide the elements into engagement while the angled faces automatically perform the alignment function in the same motion, eliminating the need for a separate parallel shifting step.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled catch faces and magnetic interaction are designed to automatically guide the elements into proper alignment and engagement without requiring separate manual alignment steps. The geometry of the catch faces and the magnetic field distribution enable the system to self-align and self-fasten in one motion.
2Strength
If angled catch faces are used to transform force direction, then the fastener can withstand considerable forces, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The angled catch faces are applied locally at the engagement interface between the male and female elements, specifically where force transformation is needed. The rest of the structure remains simple and straightforward, allowing the complex force-transforming geometry to be concentrated only where necessary rather than throughout the entire fastener structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch faces are designed with asymmetric angling relative to the fastening direction, creating a mechanical advantage that transforms forces pulling apart into forces urging the elements together. This asymmetric geometry is integrated into the basic structure without requiring additional symmetric components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The fastener system provides a strong, single-step closure capable of withstanding significant forces while minimizing the risk of separation, ensuring durability and ease of use, particularly suitable for clothing and lingerie applications, including brassieres, and can be used as a replacement for buttons.
Implementation Method 1
A back magnet is secured in the bump. The magnets are so polarized as to attract each other and pull the bump into the seat cavity in the opening/closing direction on juxtaposition of the front and back elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-step fabric fastener has a front element (20) formed with a backwardly open seat cavity (21d) holding a magnet (22) and having a pair of catch faces (21g, 21h) directed away from one end of the front element, flanking the seat cavity, and angled such that front edges of the catch faces are closer to the one end than back edges of catch faces. The one end of the front element can exert traction on the front element and front magnet in a direction toward the one end. A back element (30) formed with a forwardly projecting bump (26a) holding a back magnet (27) is loosely fittable in the seat cavity has a pair of catch faces (26c, 26d) engageable in the direction with the front—element catch faces on engagement of the bump in the cavity. The magnets attract each other and pull the bump into the seat cavity on juxtaposition of the front and back element.