Closure Device Form-Fit Latching for High Loadability

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure devices face challenges in increasing loadability against the closing direction without complicating the latching process, as enhancing mechanical latching means requires more force and larger magnetic components.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a form-fit element that engages with a recess on the opposing connecting module after initial mechanical latching, providing a positive connection without elastic deformation, and optionally using magnetic means to support the transfer into the closed position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the mechanical latching means is designed more stably with a larger latching protrusion and spring locking element, then the loadability against closing direction is improved, but the force required for establishing the latching increases and the overall size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveloadabilityVSAvoidforce for establishing latching

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The latching function is divided into two independent systems: a mechanical latching means (spring locking element with latching protrusion) and a form-fit connection (protrusion engaging with recess). The mechanical latching provides ease of operation, while the form-fit connection provides loadability. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The form-fit element engages in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction, creating a secondary engagement dimension. This dimensional separation allows the latching protrusion to engage the spring locking element along the closing direction while the form-fit protrusion engages the recess from the side, distributing forces across different spatial dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the mechanical latching means is designed more stably, then the loadability against closing direction is improved, but the overall size of the closure device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveloadabilityVSAvoidoverall size

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The latching function is divided into two independent systems: a mechanical latching means (spring locking element with latching protrusion) and a form-fit connection (protrusion engaging with recess). The mechanical latching provides ease of operation, while the form-fit connection provides loadability. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The form-fit element engages in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction, creating a secondary engagement dimension. This dimensional separation allows the latching protrusion to engage the spring locking element along the closing direction while the form-fit protrusion engages the recess from the side, distributing forces across different spatial dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Force

If magnetic means are dimensioned larger to provide stronger force of magnetic attraction, then the closing support is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce of magnetic attractionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The closing support function is divided between magnetic means (providing initial attraction) and the form-fit connection (providing final mechanical engagement). This segmentation allows the magnetic means to be dimensioned smaller and less expensive, as they only need to provide initial attraction to bring the connecting modules into proximity, while the form-fit connection handles the primary mechanical engagement and load-bearing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 closure device achieves high mechanical loadability against large forces without complicating the latching process, with the form-fit element ensuring a strong and symmetrical connection, and magnetic means facilitating easy automatic latching.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic means (10, 20) which for supporting the transfer of the first connecting module (1) into the closed position produce a force of magnetic attraction between the first connecting module (1) and the second connecting module (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9635919B2Closure device

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 FIDLOCK GMBH

AI summary

A closure device for connecting two parts includes a first connecting module and a second connecting module. The first connecting module can be arranged on the second connecting module in a closing direction, is mechanically latched with the second connecting module by a latching means in a closed position, and is held at the second connecting module against the closing direction. The first connecting module can be released from the second connecting module by movement of the first connecting module in an opening direction. A form-fit element is arranged on one of the connecting modules, which is formed to engage a recess on the other one of the connecting modules after establishing the latching of the first connecting module with the second connecting module by moving the first connecting module relative to the second connecting module against the opening direction.