Magnetic Buckle Fastener for Low-Force Orientation-Independent Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-piece buckles require manual force for engagement and disengagement, are orientation-dependent, and often incorporate internal springs, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of magnetic components, such as permanent magnets, to assist in the automatic engagement and disengagement of buckle components, eliminating the need for internal springs and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional two-piece buckles are used, then the buckle provides secure fastening, but manual force is required for engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-based return mechanism with a magnetic field-based attraction system. Magnets embedded in the buckle components create automatic attraction that draws the pieces together during engagement, eliminating the need for manual forcing and internal springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic components enable the buckle to self-engage through automatic magnetic attraction when the pieces are brought into proximity. The system serves itself by using the magnetic field to perform the engagement action without requiring external manual force to overcome mechanical resistance.
2Extent of automation
If internal springs are incorporated in conventional buckles, then the locking elements can engage automatically, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical spring systems by substituting them with a magnetic field-based attraction mechanism. The magnets embedded in the buckle components provide automatic engagement through magnetic attraction, simplifying the internal structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the internal spring components from the buckle design, replacing them with a simpler magnetic attraction system. This extraction of unnecessary mechanical elements reduces device complexity while maintaining automatic engagement functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional buckles are used, then the structure is simple, but the buckle is orientation-dependent for proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attraction force acts equally in all orientations, enabling the buckle to function correctly regardless of how it is positioned. The magnetic field provides universal engagement capability that works in any orientation, making the buckle adaptable to different mounting positions and usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the engagement mechanism from orientation-dependent mechanical features to orientation-independent magnetic field interaction. By utilizing the radial nature of magnetic attraction, the system achieves functionality that is invariant to rotational orientation while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 easy, orientation-independent operation with reduced user effort, lowers manufacturing costs, and facilitates quick, reliable assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes at least one magnet and at least one magnetically attractive material to assist in the automatic engagement of the locking elements
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle assembly that includes an insertion part and a receiving part. The insertion part has a housing with a projecting appendage that features one or more catches. The receiving part has a housing with an opening designed to accept the appendage of the insertion part. A first magnetic component is positioned in or on the receiving part, and a second magnetic component is positioned in or on the insertion part. At least one of the magnetic components is a permanent magnet, and the two components are arranged so they attract each other when the parts are brought together, helping to guide and engage them during assembly. Additionally, the receiving part includes a pair of pivoting latches that engage with the catches on the insertion appendage to securely lock the two parts together.