Flexible Magnetic Sealing Closure for Stable Bending and Twisting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible magnetic strips are unable to provide a sealing that is stable to various mechanical deformations such as bending and twisting, due to non-proximate distance between magnetic elements and the mechanical characteristics of the materials used.

Innovation Solution

A sealable device with a magnetic sealing closure is designed, featuring membranes with a predetermined thickness and static friction coefficient that preserves magnetic attraction and prevents movement, ensuring stability under mechanical deformations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible magnetic strips are used for sealing, then the sealing is flexible and can be deformed, but the magnetic attraction force is reduced due to non-proximate distance between magnetic elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of sealingVSAvoidmagnetic attraction force
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses thin membrane structures (first and second membranes) that connect the magnetic strips, allowing the sealing to remain flexible while maintaining proximity between magnetic elements. The membranes act as thin flexible barriers that do not significantly increase the distance between magnetic elements when the sealing is deformed, thus preserving magnetic attraction force while enabling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a third dimension by using membranes with optimized thickness parameters. The membranes extend in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic strip surfaces, creating a three-dimensional structure that maintains magnetic element proximity while allowing flexibility in other dimensions. This dimensional approach resolves the contradiction between flexibility and magnetic force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible magnetic strips are used for sealing, then the sealing can be deformed, but the sealing becomes unstable under mechanical deformations such as bending and twisting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformability of sealingVSAvoidstability of sealing under deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The thin membrane structure provides flexibility for deformation while the magnetic attraction between elements maintains structural integrity. The membranes are thin enough to allow deformation but provide sufficient structural support to maintain sealing stability during bending and twisting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent accommodates curved and deformed configurations through its flexible membrane design, allowing the sealing to adapt to various shapes while maintaining functional integrity. The structure can bend and twist without compromising the sealing relationship between magnetic elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Force

If strong magnetic elements are embedded in flexible strips, then magnetic attraction force is increased, but the mechanical characteristics of the materials are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic attraction forceVSAvoidmechanical strength of strip material
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure combining strong magnetic elements with flexible membrane materials. The first and second membranes are connected to the magnetic strips, forming a composite assembly that leverages the strengths of both components: the magnetic elements provide strong attraction force while the membranes provide mechanical flexibility and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The thin membrane structure distributes mechanical stresses away from the magnetic elements, protecting them from damage while maintaining their magnetic properties. The membranes act as protective yet flexible enclosures that preserve both mechanical integrity and magnetic functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 flexible and water-impermeable sealing closure that remains stable under mechanical deformations such as bending, twisting, and others, ensuring effective sealing in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic elements of the first and second strips magnetically attract each other and a sealing is provided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a predetermined static friction coefficient which substantially prevents movement of the first membrane with respect to the second membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic friction: Static Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2571391B2Flexible magnetic sealing closure
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 GOOPER HERMETIC
  • EP2571391B2 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2571391B2 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2571391B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A magnetic sealing closure, comprising: a. a first flexible strip, with a plurality of cavities adapted to incorporate a plurality of magnetic elements; b. a second flexible strip, with a plurality of cavities adapted to incorporate a plurality of magnetic elements; wherein said sealing closure comprises membranes connectable to said first strip, and a second membrane connectable to said second strip, such that said plurality of magnetic elements of said second strip are embedded within said plurality of cavities between said second strip and said second membrane; when said first and second strips and are brought together from the side of said first and second membranes, magnetic elements of said first and said second strips magnetically attract each other, such that a sealing is provided.