Magnetic Closure for Automotive Electrical Socket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical sockets in automotive vehicles rely on springs or mechanical latches for cover retention, which are prone to breakage, wear, and rattling, and lack the simplicity and durability of magnetic closures.
Innovation Solution
An electrical socket design utilizing a magnet and friction hinge allows the cover to remain open at various positions, eliminating the need for springs or latches, with magnetic attraction providing consistent and smooth closure without mechanical wear or fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If springs or mechanical latches are used to hold the cover closed, then the cover can be retained in the closed position, but the components are prone to breakage, wear, and rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring or latch system with a magnetic field-based closure system. A magnet is embedded in the cover and a ferromagnetic material is embedded in the receptacle, creating magnetic attraction that holds the cover closed. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, fatigue, and complexity associated with springs and latches while maintaining reliable cover retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the materials used in the closure system. By selecting specific magnetic materials and optimizing their magnetic strength, size, and position, the system achieves reliable cover retention through magnetic field parameters rather than mechanical force parameters. This allows for adjustable and optimized closure characteristics without mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If mechanical latches are used to hold the cover closed, then the cover can be secured, but the latches are subject to wear and can become loose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical latches entirely and replaces them with a magnetic field-based closure system. The magnet and ferromagnetic material create a continuous magnetic attraction force that secures the cover without any moving mechanical parts that can wear or become loose. This extends the service life of the closure system significantly as magnetic materials do not suffer from mechanical wear.
3Ease of operation
If springs are used to load the cover closed, then the cover can be automatically closed, but the spring creates a snapping effect and is subject to fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-loaded mechanical system with a magnetic attraction system. The magnetic force between the magnet in the cover and the ferromagnetic material in the receptacle provides a smooth, progressive closing force without the sudden snapping effect of springs. This eliminates the harmful vibrations and mechanical fatigue associated with spring operation while maintaining automatic cover closure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the properties of magnetic fields to create a smooth, progressive force profile during cover closure. By optimizing the magnet and ferromagnetic material parameters, the system achieves a controlled closing action that is both automatic and free from the harmful snapping effects of mechanical springs, improving operational comfort and reducing mechanical stress.
4Adaptability or versatility
If friction hinges are used to allow the cover to remain open at various positions, then the cover can be positioned flexibly, but the friction mechanism can wear and become unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical positioning system with a magnetic field-based system. The magnet in the cover interacts with the ferromagnetic material in the receptacle to provide holding force at various positions without relying on friction between mechanical surfaces. This eliminates wear and reliability issues associated with friction hinges while maintaining the ability to hold the cover at multiple positions.
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
The design enhances durability and user experience with consistent magnetic closure forces, eliminating the risk of broken or worn components and providing an audible click without the snapping effect of spring-loaded covers.
Implementation Method 1
a paired combination comprising a magnet and a magnet attractive element on ones of the cover and the region on the receptacle causing the cover to be attracted to the receptacle by magnetic force
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical socket comprising an electrical receptacle, a cover for the receptacle, a hinge coupling the cover to the receptacle so that the cover can pivot toward and away from an opening in the receptacle to allow insertion of an electrical plug into the receptacle. A paired combination is provided comprising a magnet and a magnet attractive region on ones of the cover and receptacle causing the cover to be attracted to the receptacle when the cover gets to a predetermined distance from the receptacle thereby causing the cover to be closed on the receptacle by magnetic attraction when the plug is not inserted.