Magnetic Button Assembly With Polymeric Fastening Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic fasteners are difficult for individuals with only gross motor skills to operate, making tasks like dressing challenging without assistance.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic button assembly with a ring magnet and a polymeric fastening region, featuring a handle for easy operation, where the first component is secured to a section of material via a thread through apertures, and the second component magnetically couples using ferromagnetic material, minimizing frictional wear and allowing easy alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional magnetic fastener is used, then magnetic coupling strength is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for individuals with only gross motor skills
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic fastener is divided into two separate components: a button component with a ring magnet and a buttonhole component with ferromagnetic material. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the button can be made large and easy to grasp with gross motor skills, while the buttonhole provides the magnetic coupling function, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and magnetic coupling strength.
Solution Approach 2:
A polymeric material is introduced as an intermediary between the ring magnet and the button face. This polymer layer minimizes frictional wear on the threading while maintaining the magnetic coupling function, allowing the button to be easily operated with gross motor skills without compromising the reliability of the magnetic attachment.
2Reliability
If a polymeric fastening region is used, then frictional wear of thread is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button component uses a composite structure combining a ring magnet embedded in a polymeric material. This composite approach protects the metal threading from frictional wear while the polymeric material can be manufactured using standard molding techniques, balancing thread durability with manufacturing feasibility.
3Ease of operation
If a ring magnet with central opening is used, then alignment ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring magnet with central opening segments the magnetic field distribution, creating clear alignment guides that facilitate easy positioning. The central opening allows the button to be threaded through the buttonhole while the annular magnetic field provides visual and tactile alignment cues, improving ease of operation without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.
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 operation by individuals with gross motor skills, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution for apparel and other items, enhancing usability and self-worth by mimicking a standard button-to-buttonhole assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a ring magnet that defines a central opening... The second component includes at least one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material to magnetically couple the second component to the first component
Implementation Method 2
The second component includes at least one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material to magnetically couple the second component to the first component
Data Source
AI summary
An article including a first section of material, a second section of material, and a magnetic button assembly comprising a first component and a second component. The first component has a ring magnet and a body portion with the body portion having a fastening region with a first thread disposed therethrough for coupling the first component to the first section. A second thread passes though the second component for coupling the second component to the second section, and comprises at least one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material to couple the second component to the first component thereby coupling the second section to the first section. The fastening region is formed of a polymeric material to minimize frictional wear of the first thread to prevent separation of the first component from the first section.