Magnet Assembly for Secure Portable Device Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size and weight of smartphones and other portable devices make them difficult to carry comfortably and securely, often leading to theft, loss, or damage during transportation, and users often need to carry multiple devices simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A 'Button Magnet' assembly using strategically placed magnets and supporting hardware that allows secure attachment to various body parts or clothing, enabling convenient, efficient, and safe transportation of portable devices by allowing multiple attachment locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If smartphones are made larger in size and capacity, then device functionality and display quality are improved, but device portability and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the carrying method from horizontal (in pockets or hands) to vertical (suspended from body parts using magnets). This dimensional change allows larger devices to be carried in a new spatial configuration that distributes weight more effectively and improves accessibility without reducing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnets as an intermediary mechanism between the user's body and the portable device. The magnets provide secure attachment without requiring direct contact or mechanical fasteners, enabling comfortable carrying of larger devices while maintaining easy access and security.
2Ease of operation
If devices are carried in traditional locations (pockets, belt), then accessibility is maintained, but security and risk of loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves devices from traditional horizontal carrying locations to vertical suspension from multiple body parts (neck, wrist, ankle, etc.). This dimensional repositioning keeps devices within easy reach while removing them from vulnerable pocket locations, thereby improving both accessibility and security simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism parameter from mechanical (pockets, belts) to magnetic. The magnetic attachment provides secure holding force that is difficult to steal or lose, while maintaining easy accessibility through simple approach-and-attach interaction.
3Productivity
If multiple devices are carried simultaneously, then user productivity is improved, but carrying comfort and security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the carrying system into multiple independent magnetic attachment points distributed across different body parts. Each device can be independently attached to different body locations, distributing the weight and bulk across the body rather than concentrating it in one location, thereby maintaining comfort when carrying multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vertical suspension from multiple body parts (neck, wrist, ankle, etc.) to carry multiple devices simultaneously. This three-dimensional distribution of devices across the body allows users to carry multiple devices comfortably while maintaining easy access to each device through simple body movement.
4Ease of operation
If magnetic attachment is used, then ease of attachment and detachment is improved, but holding strength may be insufficient for larger devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple magnets distributed across the attachment surface rather than a single large magnet. This segmentation allows the magnetic holding force to be distributed across multiple contact points, increasing total holding strength while maintaining the ease of attachment and detachment characteristic of magnetic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple magnets into a unified attachment system. The cumulative magnetic force of multiple magnets provides sufficient holding strength for larger devices, while the system maintains the simple approach-and-attach interaction that characterizes magnetic attachment systems.
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
Provides secure, comfortable, and versatile attachment options for portable devices, enhancing user mobility and reducing the risk of loss or damage, while allowing flexibility in device orientation and access.
Implementation Method 1
A 'Button Magnet' assembly using strategically placed magnets and supporting hardware that allows secure attachment to various body parts or clothing
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus disclosed is an assembly of two main components entitled a main plunger and a head plunger, combined with other associated components that work in conjunction with the two plungers. The main plunger and head plunger each have a radial gear component, designed such that both radial gear components can interface and mesh with each other or with a corresponding radial gear integral to a custom case. In this manner, meshing of the radial gears provides secure attachment and locking of a carried item. Both plungers also contain internal disc magnets which are so arranged in their polarity as to accentuate the magnetic attraction between the plungers. The head plunger is affixed to a planar deck which facilitates the attachment of items such as cell phone cases. When an attachment of this nature is made, a mechanical key, key pin, and other components make the attachment feasible.