Magnetic-Mechanical Closure with Form-Fit Locking and Easy Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices face a challenge in achieving a firm connection while maintaining easy operability for both closing and opening.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with magnetic elements on each part that attract and hold the parts together in the closed position, allowing easy opening by overcoming magnetic repulsion or mechanical pretensioning, and optionally using a locking element to maintain the open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic elements are used to automatically draw closure parts together, then ease of operation for closing is improved, but firmness of connection in closed position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into two functional systems: magnetic elements for automatic attraction during closing, and mechanical form-fitting portions with engagement elements for secure locking. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic elements perform preliminary action by automatically drawing closure parts together during the closing process, positioning them for engagement. The mechanical form-fitting portions then complete the connection by locking into place, ensuring firm connection before any opening operation.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical pretensioning is used to hold closure elements in open position, then ease of operation for opening is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure elements are designed to be self-actuating through magnetic repulsion between like poles. When closure parts are separated, magnetic repulsion automatically pushes closure elements into their open position, eliminating the need for additional springs or mechanical pretensioning devices.
3Ease of operation
If closure elements are held in open position by magnetic repulsion, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of position holding may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two states: magnetic repulsion handles the open position, while mechanical form-fitting portions with engagement elements handle the closed position. This ensures reliable position holding in both states through appropriately suited mechanisms.
4Strength
If form-fitting portions are brought into engagement transversely to closing direction, then firmness of connection is improved, but ease of operation for closing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic elements perform preliminary action by automatically drawing closure parts together along the closing direction, overcoming the transverse engagement resistance. Once positioned, the form-fitting portions engage transversely to create the firm connection, combining magnetic assistance with mechanical locking.
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
Provides a secure, loadable connection with easy operation for both closing and opening, ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement through magnetic attraction and repulsion or mechanical pretensioning.
Implementation Method 1
the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element cooperate in a magnetically attracting way so that the at least one closure element with the form-fitting portion is moved relative to the base element
Data Source
AI summary
A closure device includes a first closure part, which includes a base element and at least one closure element movably arranged on the base element with a form-fitting portion arranged thereon, and a second closure part, which includes an engagement element with an engagement portion formed thereon. In an open position of the closure device the first closure part and the second closure part are separated from each other and can be attached to each other along a closing direction for closing the closure device. The form-fitting portion of the at least one closure element can be brought into engagement with the engagement portion of the engagement element in an engagement direction substantially transversely to the closing direction. On the at least one closure element of the first closure part a first magnetic element is arranged and on the engagement element of the second closure part a second magnetic element is arranged.