Load-Secured Closure Mechanism With Magnetic Self-Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices lack ease of operation and secure connection between closure parts, with complex handling required for both closing and opening, and often rely on friction or magnetic forces that may not be reliable.
Innovation Solution
A closure device incorporating magnetic elements that automatically secure the locking and engagement elements when loaded, allowing for easy closure and comfortable operation, with an actuating element that resets the locking element via pretension or elasticity, enabling effortless opening by releasing the load on the force transmission element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic elements are added to support automatic closure, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment and engagement operations with magnetic attraction forces. The magnetic elements automatically draw the closure parts together and guide the locking element into engagement with the engagement element, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and reducing the operational steps required to close the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic elements enable the closure device to self-align and self-engage during the closing operation. The magnetic attraction automatically positions the locking element relative to the engagement element, allowing the system to perform part of the closing function without external intervention, thereby improving ease of operation.
2Productivity
If magnetic elements are added to support automatic closure, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic elements replace slow manual alignment and engagement processes with rapid magnetic attraction. This accelerates the closing operation by providing an active force that quickly draws the closure parts together and secures the connection, thereby improving productivity without requiring complex mechanical actuation mechanisms.
3Reliability
If force transmission element is used to secure locking element under load, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring actuating element for release
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary mechanism that temporarily overcomes the load-induced securing force. By applying localized force through the actuating element, the locking element can be disengaged from the engagement element even under load, providing a controlled method to release the connection when needed while maintaining security during normal operation.
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 closure device provides a secure, automatic, and easy-to-use connection between assemblies, ensuring a firm grip when loaded and effortless release when the load is removed, enhancing user convenience and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element cooperate in a magnetically attracting manner when the locking element and the engagement element are attached to each other
Implementation Method 2
a force transmission element operatively connected to the locking element, which can be loaded along a force direction
Implementation Method 3
In the closed position, when the force transmission element is loaded along the force direction, the locking element is loaded in a locking direction towards contact with the engagement element by the action of force of the force transmission element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a closure device including a first closure part that includes a locking element, a force transmission element operatively connected to the locking element, which can be loaded along a force direction, and an actuating element movable relative to the locking element, and a second closure part that includes an engagement element. The locking element and the engagement element can be attached to each other for connecting the first closure part and the second closure part to each other and are connected to each other in a closed position. In the closed position, when the force transmission element is loaded along the force direction, the locking element is loaded in a locking direction towards contact with the engagement element by the action of force of the force transmission element. The actuating element can be actuated in order to adjust the locking element against the locking direction.