Closure Device with Magnetic Attraction and Positive Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices are not suitable for carrying large loads and providing a secure, reliable fastening while also allowing for easy handling and quick electric connections.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with a first closure member and a second closure member, each equipped with a locking protrusion for positive locking, magnetic members for attraction, and electric contact elements for electrical connection, along with a force application element to handle large loads and ensure secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic members are added to provide magnetic attraction for secure fastening, then the reliability of the closure is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic members with the closure members to integrate magnetic attraction functionality into the existing mechanical locking structure. The magnetic members are positioned to work in conjunction with the locking protrusions, creating a unified system that achieves both mechanical and magnetic fastening without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure members are designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical locking through locking protrusions, magnetic attraction through integrated magnetic members, and electrical connection through contact elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while improving reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric contact elements are added to enable electrical connection, then the versatility of the closure device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electric contact elements are merged with the closure members, integrating electrical connection capability into the mechanical closure structure. The contact elements are positioned to automatically engage when the closure members are brought together, enabling electrical connection without requiring separate wiring or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure members are designed as multi-functional components that simultaneously provide mechanical locking, magnetic attraction, and electrical connection. This integration allows a single closure device to perform multiple functions, improving versatility while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Strength
If the closure device is designed to carry large loads, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic members are used to generate attractive forces that counteract the weight and load on the closure device. The magnetic attraction provides a lifting and holding effect that reduces the effort required by the user to close and operate the closure, while still maintaining the ability to carry large loads through the mechanical locking structure.
4Reliability
If magnetic members are used to prevent unintentional opening, then the reliability is improved, but the force required to open the closure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: magnetic attraction for holding and preventing unintentional opening, and mechanical locking through locking protrusions for secure fastening. This segmentation allows the magnetic members to provide reliable holding force without requiring excessive force to open, as the mechanical locking mechanism can be engaged separately to provide the necessary release force.
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, reliable, and easy-to-handle solution that can carry large loads and facilitate quick electric connections, with enhanced magnetic attraction and structural design to prevent unintentional opening under load.
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
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A closure device (1) for releasably connecting two parts with each other comprises a first closure member (2) having a rigid first locking protrusion (210) and a second closure member (3) which is attachable to the first closure member (2) and in a closed position is held on the first closure member (2). The second closure member (3) has a rigid second locking protrusion (304), wherein the second locking protrusion (304) can be brought into engagement with the first locking protrusion (210) in an engagement direction (E) and in the closed position engages the first locking protrusion (210) in a positive locking manner. The first closure member (2) comprises a first magnetic member (23, 23A, 23B) and the second closure member (3) comprises a second magnetic member (33, 33A, 33B), the first magnetic member (23, 23A, 23B) and the second magnetic member (33, 33A, 33B) being constituted to magnetically attract each other when the second closure member (3) is attached to the first closure member (2) for closing the closure device (1). Furthermore, the first closure member (2) comprises at least one first electric contact element (27), and the second closure member (3) comprises at least one second electric contact element (38), the at least one first electric contact element (27) and the at least one second electric contact element (38) being configured to electrically contact each other in the closed position of the closure device (1).