Magnetic Ball Closure for Detachment Under Full Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure devices fail to securely detach a first part from a second part under full load and allow relative movement between the parts in the closed position, making them impractical for applications requiring reliable attachment and detachment in various fields such as sports, seafaring, and industry.

Innovation Solution

A closure device featuring a spherical engagement part with a magnetic unit and a sliding unit that reduces the recess size to securely hold the engagement part, enabling detachment under full load and allowing up to 360° rotation or 45° pivoting for relative movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking device uses a pin and locking element mechanism for detachable connection, then the device provides basic locking functionality, but the first part cannot be separated from the second part under full load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachability under full loadVSAvoidlocking force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the recess size variable through a sliding unit that can move between locked and unlocked positions. When the sliding unit moves to the unlocked position, the recess size increases, allowing the spherical engagement part to be removed even under full load. This dynamic adjustment of the recess size resolves the contradiction between maintaining strong locking force and enabling detachability under load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the size parameter of the recess. The sliding unit modifies the recess dimensions from a smaller locked state (providing strong holding force) to a larger unlocked state (allowing removal under load). This parameter change enables the system to transition between strong locking and easy detachment states, resolving the contradiction between locking reliability and detachability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a locking device holds parts firmly in closed position, then connection stability is improved, but relative movement between parts is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidrelative movement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a spherical engagement part that can rotate and pivot within the recess while maintaining connection stability. The spherical shape allows dynamic movement (360° rotation or 45° pivoting) without compromising the locked state, resolving the contradiction between stability and movement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the spheroidality principle by using a spherical engagement part instead of a rigid fixed connector. The spherical geometry inherently provides rotational freedom while maintaining positional engagement, enabling both stable connection and relative movement simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If a locking device uses complex engagement mechanisms, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the locking device into distinct functional units: a first locking unit with a spherical engagement part, a second locking unit with a recess, and a sliding unit for size adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the mechanics substitution principle by replacing complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simpler system based on magnetic attraction forces. The magnetic unit provides holding force without requiring complex interlocking parts, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures secure attachment and easy detachment of parts under full load with the ability for relative movement, enhancing usability in diverse applications like sports equipment, sailing, and construction engineering.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic means act between the first locking unit and the second locking unit, designed to assist the attachment of the first locking unit to the second locking unit by providing a magnetic attraction force.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3773053B1Closing device for releasably connecting a first part to a second part
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 GOLEYGO GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a closing device (100) for releasably connecting a first part to a second part. The closing device (100) has a first closing unit (200) comprising a spherical engaging part (201), and has a first retaining device (202) for attaching the first part. The closing device also comprises a second closing unit (300) which has a second retaining device (302) for attaching the second part, and comprises a cut out (304), which is delimited by a wall (303), for receiving the spherical engaging part (201), wherein the cut out (304) has an opening (305) for inserting the spherical engaging part (201). In addition, a sliding unit (311) is located in the cut out (304), said sliding unit (311) being preloaded in the direction of the opening (305), and the sliding unit (311) can be displaced into an open position and a closed position. In the open position of the sliding unit (311), the spherical engaging part (201) can be received in the cut out (304). In the closed position of the sliding unit (311), the spherical engaging part (201) abuts both the wall (303) and the sliding unit (311) and is clampingly held. The spherical engaging part (201) is magnetic. A magnetic unit (306) is located in the cut out (304).