Magnetic Closure Latch for Reliable Vehicle Frame Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for attaching objects to vehicle frames, such as bicycles, are not easily operable, do not allow for flexible use with different objects, and are not cost-effective, especially when considering the limited lifespan of items like drinking bottles.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a mechanism featuring a locking element and an actuating mechanism that allows for a secure, form-fitting engagement between locking sections, which can be easily attached and detached using a lever mechanism with elastic pretension and magnetic support, enabling reliable and versatile attachment of various objects to a vehicle frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with spring locking element and slide is used, then reliable locking is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical spring locking element and slide mechanism with a magnetic field-based locking system. Magnets embedded in the locking piece and locking receptacle create magnetic attraction that automatically secures the connection, eliminating the need for intricate mechanical components while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of locking force from mechanical (spring pressure) to magnetic (magnetic attraction). This parameter change simplifies the mechanism while ensuring reliable engagement through the inherent strength of magnetic fields, which can be precisely controlled by magnet size and positioning.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic elements are used to support attachment, then ease of operation improves, but locking reliability may deteriorate under varying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two locking mechanisms into a single integrated system: magnetic attraction for easy attachment and a locking element with locking section for secure mechanical interlocking. The locking piece contains both magnets and a locking element, while the locking receptacle contains both a magnet and a locking section, creating a unified dual-function component that combines the benefits of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic elements perform preliminary action by attracting and pre-positioning the locking piece and locking receptacle together during approach. This magnetic pre-alignment ensures that when the locking element engages with the locking section, the components are already in the correct position, enhancing both ease of operation and final locking reliability.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then locking reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The locking piece integrates magnets, locking elements, and positioning features into a single component. The locking receptacle integrates a magnet, locking section, and guide features into another single component. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts while maintaining reliable locking through the combined functions within each integrated component.
4Ease of manufacture
If the locking element is permanently fixed, then manufacturing precision requirements increase, but ease of manufacture improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the locking element dynamically adjustable rather than permanently fixed. The locking element can move relative to the locking piece, allowing it to self-align with the locking section during engagement. This dynamic capability compensates for manufacturing tolerances and eliminates the need for high-precision fixed positioning, while still ensuring reliable locking when engaged.
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 solution provides a user-friendly, cost-effective locking mechanism that securely attaches and detaches objects from a vehicle frame, ensuring reliable connection and preventing unintentional release, even under varying loads and with slight wear or production tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic elements of the closure parts interact in a magnetically attractive manner and in this way support the attachment of the closure parts to one another
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A closure device (2) for connecting two assemblies to one another comprises a first closure part (4), which has a locking piece (41A, 41B) with a first locking section (410) and has a first magnetic element (43A, 43B), and a second closure part (5), which has a locking receptacle (51A, 51B) with a second locking section (511) and has a second magnetic element (43A, 43B). In addition, the closure device has an arresting mechanism (52) which is arranged on the second closure part (5) and which has an arresting element (524, 527) and an actuating mechanism which is operatively connected to the arresting element (524, 527), wherein the arresting element (524, 527) can be brought into operative connection with the locking piece (41A, 41B) in a closed position in order to lock a form-fitting engagement between the first locking section (410) and the second locking section (511).