Closure Device Status Display Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for connecting parts, such as a foot mat to a vehicle floor, lack a reliable and safe mechanism to visually confirm complete closure, particularly in safety-critical applications, and often rely on magnetic elements which may not be desirable.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with a display mechanism that uses a connection element adjustable between positions to indicate the closure status, allowing users to visually confirm if the device is open or closed, implemented purely mechanically without magnetic elements, utilizing spring or magnetic pretensioning and inclined connection portions to ensure secure attachment and display changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a display device with magnetic elements is used to indicate closure status, then the closure status can be displayed reliably, but the device complexity increases and magnetic elements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic display mechanisms with a purely mechanical display system. The connection element itself serves as the display mechanism, where its position (first position for open, second position for closed) directly indicates the closure status through mechanical movement, eliminating the need for separate magnetic indicators
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element performs multiple functions: it connects the closure parts together and simultaneously serves as the display device. The same mechanical component that achieves closure also indicates the closure status through its position, reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If the connection element is pretensioned to ensure secure closure, then the closure reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases when opening under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic characteristics through spring pretensioning that allows the connection element to maintain secure engagement during normal use but can be dynamically released when sufficient opening force is applied. The spring force provides continuous pressure for secure closure while allowing controlled release when the opening force exceeds the pretensioning 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
Ensures safe and reliable closure confirmation by visually displaying the closure status, preventing incomplete closure and enhancing safety by mechanically indicating the closed position without relying on magnetic elements, while maintaining secure attachment and easy opening when not under load.
Implementation Method 1
The connection element of the second closure part is pretensioned in the direction of the first position with respect to the housing. When the closure device is open (i.e. when the closure parts are separated from one another) the connection element is thus located in the first position, the connection element being automatically moved into the first position after the closure device is opened, due to the pretensioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure device for connecting two parts with one another includes a first closure part and a second closure part attachable in an attachment direction on the first closure part and has a housing and connection element arranged moveably on the housing along an adjustment direction which differs from the attachment direction. The connection element is attachable to the first closure part in the attachment direction and during attachment is moved in the adjustment direction relative to the housing from a first position into a second position. In a closed position, the connection element is located in the second position and is connected to the first closure part in such that the second closure part is held on the first closure part. The connection element is tensioned in the direction of the first position with respect to the housing.