Magnetic Assembly with Segmented Connection Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic assemblies are limited in creating complex three-dimensional structures as they lack modularity and stability, allowing only vertical extension and requiring precise user positioning of support panels, which are not easily locked together.
Innovation Solution
The magnetic assembly includes support panels with connection elements that have seats for housing ferromagnetic or magnetic elements and a peripheral portion for mechanical coupling to the panel edge, enabling extension in both height and width, with features like interlocking teeth and bayonet-like mechanisms for stability and modularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If support panels are used to stabilise magnetic structures, then two-dimensional stability is improved, but the ability to create complex three-dimensional structures extending upwards is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel is divided into multiple modular connection elements distributed along its perimeter. Each connection element can independently house and lock magnetic elements, allowing the panel to provide stable support while simultaneously enabling complex three-dimensional structures through strategic placement of multiple connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical locking of magnetic elements, enables modular assembly of support panels, and creates stable anchoring points for three-dimensional structures. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same component responsible for both stability and versatility.
2Ease of manufacture
If base panels with limited seats are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to extend structures in width is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing complex multi-directional extension capabilities into a single base panel, the invention segments the extension function into multiple identical connection elements that can be added along the panel perimeter. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling unlimited width extension through modular addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from vertical stacking (single dimension extension) to horizontal arrangement along the panel perimeter (second dimension extension). Connection elements are distributed around the panel edge, allowing structures to extend in width rather than requiring precise vertical stacking of limited-capacity bases.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple base panels are placed next to each other for width extension, then structure width is improved, but assembly difficulty and positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection elements are merged into a single support panel structure, eliminating the need to assemble separate base panels. The connection elements are integrated along the panel perimeter, providing continuous extension capability without requiring precise positioning of multiple independent panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements incorporate self-aligning and self-locking features that automatically guide and secure magnetic elements during assembly. This self-service capability reduces assembly difficulty and minimizes the need for precise user positioning, allowing intuitive construction of wide structures.
4Device complexity
If magnetic elements are used without mechanical locking, then component count is reduced, but structural stability and solidity are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges magnetic attraction and mechanical locking into a single integrated connection mechanism. The connection element uses both magnetic force and physical interlocking features (such as protrusions and recesses) to secure elements, providing enhanced stability without significantly increasing overall component complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element combines magnetic material properties with mechanical structural features. This composite approach integrates two different stabilization mechanisms (magnetic and mechanical) into one unified component, achieving superior structural stability while maintaining reasonable device 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
This solution allows for the creation of complex, stable three-dimensional structures that are modular and easier to construct, even for less capable users, with reduced reliance on magnetic components and lower production costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnetic element, magnetically couplable to said at least one ferromagnetic element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a magnetic assembly for creating three-dimensional structures, said magnetic assembly comprising at least one ferromagnetic element (1), at least one magnetic element (2), magnetically couplable to said at least one ferromagnetic element (1), and at least one support panel (3) having a perimeter edge (10). Said magnetic assembly being characterised in that it further comprises at least one connection element (4), said at least one connection element (4) comprising a seat (6) for removably housing and retaining a ferromagnetic element (1) or a magnetic element, and at least one peripheral portion (9) suitable for being removably coupled to at least one portion of the perimeter edge (10) of said support panel (3), becoming locked thereto.