Flexible Magnetic Anchoring Device for Adjustable Object Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hanging devices fail to provide a minimalist, adjustable, and strong attachment for objects of varying sizes on both metallic and non-metallic surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic anchoring device featuring a flexible member with multiple magnets that can be positioned to create adjustable loops, allowing secure attachment to ferromagnetic surfaces and adjustable size for different geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing hanging devices are used, then they can attach objects to surfaces, but they cannot adjust to objects of varying sizes and geometries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to different object sizes and geometriesVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible member allows the magnetic anchoring device to dynamically adapt its shape and loop size. By making the structural component flexible rather than rigid, the device can conform to different object geometries and sizes while maintaining a simple overall structure, thus achieving adaptability without increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its geometric parameters (loop size, shape) by flexing the flexible member. This allows the same physical device to accommodate varying object sizes and geometries by simply altering its configuration, providing adjustability without requiring multiple different devices or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If existing hanging devices are used, then they can provide attachment, but they do not provide strong attachment on both metallic and non-metallic surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidcompatibility with different surface types

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic anchoring device combines magnetic attachment capability with flexible wrapping capability in a single device. The magnets provide strong attachment to ferromagnetic surfaces, while the flexible member enables wrapping around non-ferromagnetic surfaces, making the device universally applicable to both metallic and non-metallic surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible member acts as an intermediary that transfers the magnetic force to objects that cannot be directly magnetically attached. By wrapping the flexible member around a non-ferromagnetic object and then attaching the magnets to a ferromagnetic surface, the device mediates between the object and the surface to achieve strong attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If existing hanging devices are used, then they can hang objects, but they fail to provide a minimalist structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadjustability capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the adjustment mechanism from complex mechanical components and replaces it with the inherent flexibility of the flexible member. By removing unnecessary structural elements and relying on the flexible member's natural properties, the device achieves a minimalist structure that still provides full adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables adjustment to different sizes, and allows the magnets to attach to it. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, resulting in a minimalist structure that is both simple and highly adaptable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables secure and adjustable hanging of objects on various surfaces, accommodating different sizes and geometries with a strong magnetic attachment.

Implementation Method 1

a first magnet positioned within the open interior of the flexible member and proximate the first end, and a second magnet positioned within the open interior of the flexible member and proximate the second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attachment: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

magnetic anchoring device for hanging an object onto a ferromagnetic surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11133122B2Magnetic anchoring devices

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 VAZQUEZ PAUL VICTOR

AI summary

A magnetic anchoring device for securing an object onto a ferromagnetic object or support structure. The magnetic anchoring device includes a flexible member having a first end, an opposite second end, a front surface, and an opposite rear surface, the first end, the second end, the front surface, and the rear surface defining an open interior, a first magnet positioned within the open interior of the flexible member and proximate the first end, and a second magnet positioned within the open interior of the flexible member and proximate the second end. In some embodiments, the magnetic anchoring device includes a third magnet positioned within the open interior of the flexible member between the first magnet and the second magnet. In some embodiments, the second magnet is an elongated member and the first magnet is slidably adjustable along the second magnet.