Electro-Permanent Magnet Panel Fastening for Hidden Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening mechanisms for access panels in aircraft and buildings, particularly those with electronic components, often require accessible fasteners that compromise surface design, especially when aerodynamic or camouflage properties are critical.
Innovation Solution
A fastening mechanism using an electro-permanent magnet integrated in the panel, connected to an induction coil, allowing magnetic and non-magnetic states, enabling contactless attachment and detachment without visible fasteners, and a customizable surface design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screws or similar fasteners are used to attach the panel, then the panel can be easily detached, but the fasteners must be accessible from the surface which complicates the surface design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw fastening system with an electro-permanent magnet system. The magnet provides automatic attachment when the panel is placed on the base element, eliminating the need for accessible fasteners on the surface. Detachment is achieved through contactless electromagnetic actuation, substituting mechanical interaction with field-based interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the panel and base element. The electro-permanent magnet generates this field to provide retention forces without physical contact, allowing the fastening mechanism to be hidden beneath the surface while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If visible fasteners are provided on the panel surface, then the panel can be opened easily, but the aerodynamic properties and camouflage properties are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visible mechanical fasteners with a hidden electro-permanent magnet system. The magnet is integrated into the panel structure and acts through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for surface-mounted fasteners that would disrupt aerodynamic flow or camouflage patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent concentrates the fastening function into a localized electro-permanent magnet component integrated within the panel, allowing the rest of the surface to maintain its aerodynamic or camouflage properties without interruption from visible fasteners.
3Ease of operation
If visible fasteners are provided on the panel surface, then the panel can be opened easily, but the camouflage properties are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visible mechanical fasteners with a hidden electro-permanent magnet system. The magnet is integrated into the panel structure and acts through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for surface-mounted fasteners that would disrupt camouflage patterns.
4Shape
If electro-permanent magnet is used for fastening, then the surface design is independent of opening and closing mechanism, but electrical energy is required to switch states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic or pulsed electrical energy to switch the electro-permanent magnet between magnetic and non-magnetic states. Energy is consumed only during state transitions, not during the fastened or unfastened states, making the energy consumption intermittent rather than continuous.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-permanent magnet maintains its magnetic state without continuous energy input, using the properties of the magnetically semi-hard material to retain magnetization. The system serves itself by maintaining the fastened state passively, requiring energy only for state changes.
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 unlimited retention without energy consumption, allows for independent surface design, and maintains aerodynamic or camouflage properties by hiding fastening components beneath the surface.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil which is connected to the electro-permanent magnet and is designed to conduct current induced in the induction coil to the electro-permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
a base element having a ferromagnet which is designed to connect the panel to the base element when the electro-permanent magnet of the panel is in the magnetic state
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure herein relates to a panel including an electro-permanent magnet integrated in the panel, and an induction coil connected to the electro-permanent magnet to conduct current induced in the induction coil to the electro-permanent magnet such that the electro-permanent magnet can be switched between a magnetic state and a non-magnetic state. The disclosure herein further relates to a fastening construction, to an aircraft and to an opening device.