Flexible Magnetic Enclosure Closures with Variable Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic closures can be overly rigid, fail to provide desired performance during engagement and disengagement, and may be bulky and weak, making them unsuitable for integration into various products.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic closure system using flexible magnetic members with embedded magnets and elastomeric polymer, where the magnetic attraction force is varied along the length and as a function of separation, and a magnetic clasp with repelling magnets to facilitate easy use, is developed. This system includes a housing with a multipart structure that uses a seam for closure and separation, allowing for secure and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional magnetic closures are used, then magnetic holding force is provided, but the structure becomes overly rigid and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible magnetic members comprising elastomeric material with embedded magnetic particles, replacing rigid magnetic structures. This allows the closure to maintain magnetic holding force while achieving flexibility and thin profile, directly resolving the contradiction between force and shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system by embedding magnetic particles within an elastomeric polymer matrix. This composite structure provides both the magnetic properties needed for holding force and the elastic properties needed for flexibility, simultaneously addressing both requirements of the contradiction.
2Force
If traditional magnetic closures are used, then magnetic holding force is provided, but the structure becomes weak and difficult to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric magnetic members combine the magnetic properties of embedded particles with the mechanical strength and flexibility of the polymer matrix. This composite approach provides both adequate magnetic holding force and structural strength for integration into various products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the concentration, size, and distribution of magnetic particles within the elastomeric matrix to optimize both magnetic holding force and structural strength. By adjusting these parameters, the closure achieves desired performance in both force and strength without compromising integration capability.
3Device complexity
If uniform magnetic force is used throughout the closure, then simple structure is maintained, but engagement and disengagement performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-uniform magnetic force distribution by varying the concentration and arrangement of magnetic particles in different regions of the flexible magnetic members. This creates zones of different magnetic strength that facilitate smooth engagement and controlled disengagement, improving ease of operation without significantly increasing complexity.
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 system provides a secure closure for electronic devices like headphones while allowing easy access and use, with a flexible and adjustable magnetic force that prevents abrupt opening, ensuring contents are not spilled.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic attraction force may be varied along the lengths of the magnetic members and may be varied as a function of the separation between opposing magnet members
Implementation Method 2
Protruding clasp portions may be formed from flexible polymer material and may have embedded magnets configured to repel each other to facilitate use of the clasp
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure may be provided with a housing. The housing may have an opening that separates and joins along a seam. A magnetic closure may have a pair of mating flexible magnetic members such as flexible rings or strips that run along the seam. Magnetic-field shunts may be provided in the flexible magnetic members. Multiple magnetic elements may be formed along the length of each magnetic member to form a multipole permanent magnet. Magnetic attraction may be varied along the lengths of the magnetic members and may be varied as a function of the separation between opposing magnet members. A magnetic clasp may be provided on the housing. The magnetic clasp may have attracting magnets to help close the opening in the housing. Protruding clasp portions may be formed from flexible material and may have embedded magnets configured to repel each other to facilitate use of the clasp.