Magnetic Fastening Clip for Soft Panels Without Screw Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening solutions for soft-surfaced elements, such as wooden or foam boards, are time-consuming and leave permanent marks or holes when removed, making reuse and reconfiguration difficult.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a planar top portion and perpendicularly arranged side portions, featuring inclined teeth for frictional engagement and a protrusion for magnetic attachment, allowing for secure, mark-free fastening without screw holes, and enabling precise alignment and combination of elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws and bolts are used for fastening elements, then the fastening strength is improved, but the operation time increases and the elements cannot be reused due to permanent holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-boring mechanical system with a magnetic fastening system. The magnetic member attached to the fastening device exerts magnetic attraction force on the element, achieving secure fastening without mechanical penetration. This substitution eliminates the need for drilling holes and using screws, thereby reducing operation time and enabling element reuse while maintaining adequate fastening strength for soft-surfaced elements.
2Reliability
If screws are used for fastening, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the elements suffer permanent damage and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanically invasive screw fastening system with a non-contact magnetic fastening system. The magnetic field exerts force through the element material without physical penetration, eliminating holes, splits, and permanent marks. This allows elements to be removed and reused multiple times while maintaining reliable fastening during use, thus improving element reusability while preserving fastening reliability.
3Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then the fastening security is improved, but the configuration flexibility is reduced due to permanent marks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent mechanical fastening with reversible magnetic fastening. The magnetic connection provides sufficient security for the intended application while allowing easy removal and repositioning of elements. This enables flexible reconfiguration of structures without leaving permanent marks or holes, thereby enhancing adaptability and versatility in arranging and rearranging elements as needed.
4Ease of operation
If the side portions are opened around the element to be fastened, then the ease of operation is improved, but the planar top portion bends without structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetric triangular gusset plate structure connecting the side portions to the planar top portion. This asymmetric bracing provides structural support to the planar top portion when side portions are opened for element insertion. The gusset plate prevents bending and maintains structural stability during operation, while still allowing the side portions to be opened and closed for easy element fastening.
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 rapid, mark-free fastening of soft-surfaced elements to each other and external structures, allowing for flexible configuration and reuse without damaging the elements, and ensuring precise alignment for straight structures.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic member (107) fastened to the device (100) so to allow the device (100) to be fastened to an external member via said magnetic member (107)
Implementation Method 2
The tooth is arranged to fasten, such as via friction or to penetrate into the surface of the element and thereby fasten the device to the element
Data Source
Figure 1A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A fastening device (100) for fastening soft surfaced elements (200) to each other comprises a planar top portion (101) and two side portions (102, 103). The side portions (102, 103) are coupled with the planar portion at one end via an angle portion (108), and are arranged essentially perpendicularly in relation to said planar top portion and essentially parallel with each other thereby forming a receiving opening (104) for receiving said element (200) between the side portions. In addition the side portions both comprise at least one tooth (105), which is inclined towards the opening (104) and the element (200) in use and thereby arranged to fasten, such as via friction or via penetration into the surface of the element, and thereby fasten the device to the element. Moreover at least one of the portions (101, 102, 103) comprises a protrusion portion (106) for receiving, focusing and attaching a magnetic member (107) to the device (100) so to allow the device to be fastened to an external member (100) via said magnetic member (107).