3D Decoy Head Magnetic Interlock for Secure Quick Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wildlife decoys require complex and often cumbersome attachment mechanisms for removable heads, which are difficult to use in inclement weather and can lead to damage or breakage.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic interlock system that securely attaches a decoy head to the body without the need for twisting, snapping, or other complex mechanical fasteners, allowing for easy handling and retrofitting to existing decoys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical fasteners (twisting, snapping, pushing) are used to attach the head to the body, then the attachment can be secure, but the operation becomes difficult in inclement weather and can damage the flocking and paint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, snaps, clips) with a magnetic attachment system. The magnet embedded in the head base provides secure attachment through magnetic attraction to the metal plate in the body, while allowing easy attachment and detachment without twisting or snapping motions that damage flocking and paint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary force between the head and body. The magnet in the head base and metal plate in the body create magnetic attraction that secures the attachment, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact that could damage surface finishes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the head is made removable to reduce handling and storage space, then storage efficiency improves, but the attachment mechanism becomes complex and prone to failure in cold weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical attachment mechanisms with a simple magnetic system. The magnet and metal plate combination provides reliable attachment that is not susceptible to freezing or mechanical failure in cold weather, while maintaining easy removability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical (moving parts, interlocking geometries) to magnetic (field-based force). This parameter change eliminates the reliability issues associated with mechanical systems in extreme temperatures while preserving removability.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing attachment mechanisms are used, then the head can be attached to the body, but the mechanism requires twisting or snapping forces that can crack or break heads and bodies during freezing temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical fastening forces with magnetic attraction. The magnet in the head base attracts to the metal plate in the body without requiring twisting or snapping forces, eliminating the risk of cracking or breaking the head or body structures during attachment or in freezing temperatures.
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 magnetic interlock system provides a secure attachment that allows the decoy to be lifted by the head without disengagement, while also facilitating quick release, thus enhancing usability in harsh weather conditions and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second magnets are oriented with reverse poles so that the magnets are drawn towards each other. The magnetic force holds the body and extremity together without the need for mechanical interlocks.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is described for providing three-dimensional decoys having removeable or interchangeable body parts. The decoy includes an interchangeable head having a connecting system that quickly interlocks the head to the decoy body without the need for rotation or snap fit. Further, the connecting system engages the head to the body with enough resistance that the decoy may be lifted by holding the head without disengaging from the body.