Annular Magnetic Button Structure for Strong Compact Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic buttons are either too large and thick for certain applications or have insufficient magnetic retention due to small size, leading to accidental disengagement and residual magnetic fields that can interfere with ferrous objects.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic button design featuring an annular magnet with a central ferromagnetic body and a non-magnetic ring for alignment, which enhances magnetic attraction and reduces residual fields while maintaining compact dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical button with moving parts is used, then it can provide tactile feedback and reliable switching, but it increases device complexity and risk of mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical button system with a magnetic field-based system. A magnet embedded in the button interacts with a magnetometer sensor to detect button presses, eliminating mechanical moving parts, springs, and contacts. This substitution of mechanical detection with magnetic field sensing resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through non-contact detection while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity.
2Shape
If a transparent button is used, then it improves aesthetics and visibility, but it becomes difficult to detect and measure the button's presence and state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the transparent button and the detection system. The magnet embedded in the transparent button generates a magnetic field that extends through the transparent material, allowing the magnetometer sensor to detect the button's presence and state without being obscured by the transparency. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by enabling detection through the transparent material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical properties (which are obscured by transparency) to magnetic field properties (which penetrate transparent materials). The magnetometer sensor detects changes in magnetic field strength or orientation caused by the magnet in the button, regardless of the button's transparency. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making detection independent of the button's visual appearance.
3Ease of operation
If a button without tactile feedback is used, then it simplifies the mechanical structure, but it reduces ease of operation and user feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tactile feedback mechanisms with a magnetic sensing system that can detect subtle changes in magnetic field caused by button pressing. The magnetometer sensor detects changes in magnetic field strength, orientation, or distance as the button is pressed, providing operational detection without requiring complex mechanical feedback structures. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation through magnetic detection while simplifying the mechanical structure.
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 design provides robust closure resistance, minimizes accidental disengagement, and reduces unwanted magnetic interactions with ferrous objects, ensuring reliable operation and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
the button includes a magnet and the device includes a magnetometer that detects changes in a magnetic field generated by the magnet in response to the button being pressed
Data Source
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AI summary
A magnetic button comprises a first button member (10, 10') incorporating a magnet (12) and a second button member (50) incorporating a body (52) which is made of ferromagnetic material, the first button member and the second button member being magnetically couplable and uncouplable by moving towards and away from each other, respectively, in a coupling direction; the permanent magnet is annular and a central body made of ferromagnetic material is arranged in a cavity of the permanent annular magnet.