Closure Device with Magnetic Attraction and Mechanical Interlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for connecting parts are not suitable for carrying large loads and require easy handling, especially for applications like safety closures that must remain secure under excessive loads.
Innovation Solution
A closure device featuring a force application element, such as a strap or belt, adjustably attached to the second closure member, combined with magnetic attraction and a blocking element to ensure secure engagement and leverage for holding the closure members together, allowing for easy opening and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnets are used to secure the closure members, then the closure device is easy to close, but it cannot carry large loads
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into two functional systems: a magnetic attraction system for easy closing and a mechanical interlocking system (locking protrusions and recesses) for load-bearing. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines magnetic attraction forces and mechanical interlocking in a single closure device. The magnets provide the closing force while the locking protrusions engage with locking recesses to create a rigid, load-bearing connection, merging two different mechanisms into one integrated solution.
2Strength
If a rigid locking mechanism is used to carry large loads, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow easy release. The locking protrusions are designed to engage rigidly under load but can be easily disengaged through a release mechanism, providing dynamic adaptability between locked and unlocked states.
Solution Approach 2:
A release mechanism acts as an intermediary to facilitate easy opening. This intermediary component allows the user to easily disengage the rigid locking protrusions without requiring excessive force, bridging the gap between strong locking and easy release.
3Force
If the force application location is far from the locking protrusion, then the leverage is improved, but the stability of the connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device has different local qualities: the force application location is positioned to provide leverage, while the locking protrusions are positioned close to each other for stable interlocking. Each location is optimized for its specific function, creating local quality differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by operating in multiple dimensions: the force application element provides leverage in one dimension (distance from locking mechanism), while the locking protrusions provide stability in another dimension (close proximity engagement). This multi-dimensional approach allows both leverage and stability to coexist.
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 provides a secure, high-strength connection capable of withstanding large loads while being easy to handle and open, suitable for various applications including safety closures.
Implementation Method 1
The first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are constituted to magnetically attract each other when the second closure member is attached to the first closure member, hence supporting the closing of the closure device by generating an attraction force pulling the closure members into engagement with each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure device for releasably connecting two parts with each other includes a first closure member having a rigid first locking protrusion and a second closure member which is attachable to the first closure member and in a closed position is held on the first closure member. The second closure member has a rigid second locking protrusion. The second locking protrusion can be brought into engagement with the first locking protrusion in an engagement direction and in the closed position engages the first locking protrusion in a positive locking manner. The first closure member includes a first magnetic member and the second closure member includes a second magnetic member, the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member being constituted to magnetically attract each other when the second closure member is attached to the first closure member for closing the closure device.