Electromagnetic Closure Device for Vehicle Dashboard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for securing electronic devices on vehicle dashboards lack efficient mechanisms for both secure locking and easy release, as well as integrated solutions for power and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electrical coils into the closure device's components that are electromagnetically coupled for energy and data signal transmission, with magnetic means for automatic locking and easy release, allowing for secure attachment and detachment of devices while enabling inductive coupling for power and data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical locking mechanisms are used to secure closure parts, then reliable locking is achieved, but the complexity of the device increases and automatic closing is difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical locking elements (locking piece, locking section) with magnetic means into an integrated locking device. The magnetic means work together with the mechanical elements to automatically close and lock the closure parts without requiring separate actuation mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical closing mechanisms with a hybrid system that uses magnetic forces to drive the closing action. The magnetic means generate attraction forces that automatically move the closure parts into the closed position and engage the mechanical locking elements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators or springs.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic means are used to support automatic closing, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking reliability may be insufficient without mechanical latching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges magnetic attraction forces with mechanical latching elements to create a hybrid locking system. The magnetic means provide the closing force and initial holding, while the mechanical locking piece and locking section provide secure, reliable locking. Both systems work together synergistically rather than replacing each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic means perform a preliminary action by automatically closing the closure parts and positioning them for locking before the mechanical locking elements engage. This preliminary magnetic action prepares the system for reliable mechanical locking without requiring manual intervention or additional energy input.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical coils are integrated for electromagnetic coupling, then energy and data transmission capabilities are added, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical locking, magnetic holding, and electromagnetic coupling for energy and data transmission. The electrical coils are integrated into the existing closure structure, allowing the same device to serve both as a secure connector and as a wireless power/data transfer interface, thereby justifying the increased complexity through enhanced versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electrical coils with the existing mechanical and magnetic components of the closure device. The coils are positioned to work in conjunction with the magnetic means and locking elements, creating an integrated multi-functional system where all components (mechanical, magnetic, and electromagnetic) cooperate within a unified structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are integrated into the closure device, then functionality is enhanced, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into distinct functional modules: closure parts with housing sections, separate locking pieces, locking sections, magnetic means, and electrical coils. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently using appropriate processes, then assembled into the final multi-functional device, thereby managing manufacturing complexity through modular construction.
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 solution provides a secure, automatic locking mechanism with easy release and supports both energy transmission and data signal transfer, enhancing the functionality of closure devices for securing electronic devices on vehicle dashboards.
Implementation Method 1
electrical coils (4, 5) which are electromagnetically coupled to one another for energy transmission or data signal transmission
Implementation Method 2
the coils are inductively coupled to each other
Implementation Method 3
magnetic means which, when the closure device is in the closed position, generate a magnetic attraction force between the locking piece and the second closure part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A closure device comprises a first closure part (2) which has a blocking component (22a, 22b), a second closure part (3) which has a spring locking element (34a, 34b) which is of at least partially spring-elastic design, and magnetic means (223a, 223b, 231a, 231b) which act between the first closure part and the second closure part and bring about a magnetic attraction force between the first closure part and the second closure part. In order to close the closure device, the first closure part can be fitted onto the second closure part in a closing direction. In a closed position, the blocking component and the spring locking element are in engagement with each other, and therefore the first closure part is locked in relation to the second closure part counter to the closing direction, wherein, in the closed position, the housing sections of the first closure part and of the second closure part extend parallel to each other and rest against each other. In order to release the closure device, the spring locking element and the blocking component can be moved or rotated relative to each other in order to disengage the spring locking element and the blocking component. According to the invention, respective electric coils (4, 5) having an electromagnetic coupling effect in the closed position are arranged on the first closure part (2) and on the second closure part (3). This creates a closure device which can be used for advantageously mounting an electric terminal in a vehicle and at the same time for supplying power and/or transmitting data.