Electromagnetic Coupling Device for Dynamic Smart Fabric Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic coupling devices and smart fabrics lack the ability to selectively and partially control the rigidity and flexibility of their components, limiting their adaptability to various applications, particularly in wearable devices that require dynamic support and protection.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electromagnetic coupling device with a device body, hingedly connected tongue members, and electromagnets that allow for selective resistance or prevention of movement, enabling the creation of a smart fabric that can be configured to be either flexible or rigid by activating or deactivating the engagement between coupling devices, which are encapsulated in a stretchable fabric material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If electromagnetic coupling devices are used to provide structural support, then strength and stability are improved, but the device loses flexibility and adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates electromagnets that can be dynamically activated or deactivated to change the state of engagement between tongue members and receiving means. This allows the structure to transition between rigid (when electromagnets are active) and flexible (when electromagnets are inactive) states, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability
2Reliability
If coupling devices are made rigid to provide stable support, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with electromagnets that can engage and disengage tongue members through magnetic attraction. This substitution simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining reliable support stability when the electromagnets are activated
3Strength
If electromagnets are activated to prevent tongue member movement, then strength and stability are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnets are activated only when structural support is required, allowing the system to alternate between active (high strength, high energy consumption) and inactive (low strength, low energy consumption) states. This periodic activation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining strength when needed
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
This solution allows for a smart fabric that can dynamically adjust its rigidity and flexibility in response to external forces and conditions, providing enhanced support and protection in wearable applications, such as spinal support systems and protective gear, while maintaining comfort and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electromagnet provided substantially adjacent the receiving means; wherein the electromagnet is operable to cause the engagement means of the tongue member of the said second electromagnetic coupling device to substantially resist or prevent movement of the said tongue member within the receiving means
Implementation Method 2
the tongue member having one or more ferro-magnetic engagement means provided thereon
Implementation Method 3
a textured surface is provided within the tongue member receiving means to provide enhanced frictional contact between the engagement means and the receiving means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
An electromagnetic coupling device. The coupling device has a device body and at least one tongue member protruding from the device body. The tongue member has one or more ferro-magnetic engagement means provided thereon. At least one tongue member receiving means is provided on or defined by the device body and at least one electromagnet is provided substantially adjacent the receiving means. The engagement means provided on the tongue member of a second electromagnetic coupling device may be accommodated within the receiving means of the device body. The electromagnet is operable to cause the engagement means of the tongue member of the said second electromagnetic coupling device to substantially resist or prevent movement of the said tongue member within the receiving means.