Magnetic Multi-Point Closure for Secure Compact Frame Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure devices for attaching objects to vehicle frames, such as bicycles, are not easily adaptable for various objects and lack a secure, space-efficient design that is cost-effective and easy to use.

Innovation Solution

A closure device with a first closure part featuring multiple locking pieces and magnetic elements, and a second closure part with locking receptacles and a locking mechanism, allowing for magnetic attachment and a positive frictional connection, facilitated by an actuating mechanism that adjusts locking elements to ensure secure engagement and easy detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closure device uses multiple locking pieces and locking receptacles to ensure secure connection, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure connectionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device is divided into multiple independent locking pieces and locking receptacles, each capable of engaging separately. This segmentation allows the device to achieve reliable multi-point connection without requiring a single complex locking mechanism, thereby improving reliability while keeping individual components simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking pieces and locking receptacles are designed with universal functionality where each locking piece can engage with its corresponding receptacle independently. This multi-functional design allows the same basic locking mechanism to be replicated multiple times, achieving secure connection through redundancy rather than complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If magnetic elements are used to assist placement of closure parts, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of placementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Magnetic elements are introduced to replace or assist manual alignment operations. The magnetic attraction between corresponding elements in the closure parts automatically guides and holds the parts in correct positioning during assembly, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while adding only a simple magnetic component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic elements provide self-aligning and self-holding functionality during the closing operation. The closure parts automatically attract and position themselves correctly through magnetic interaction without requiring external assistance or complex mechanical alignment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the locking device is designed with minimal installation space, then the volume of the locking device is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism components are arranged in a nested or compact configuration where smaller elements are positioned within or adjacent to larger ones. The locking pieces and receptacles are integrated into the closure parts bodies, minimizing the overall envelope volume while maintaining full operational functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism utilizes the closing direction as the primary dimension for operation, with magnetic elements providing attraction along this axis. This dimensional focus allows the device to achieve full locking functionality within a compact volume by concentrating mechanical and magnetic interactions along the closing path rather than requiring lateral space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If the closure device uses both magnetic elements and positive locking sections, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic elements and positive locking sections are combined in a complementary manner where each performs a specific function. The magnetic elements provide attraction and alignment, while the locking pieces and receptacles provide mechanical interlocking. This merging of magnetic and mechanical systems achieves high reliability through functional complementarity rather than redundancy, optimizing manufacturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 closure device provides a flexible, secure, and space-efficient method for attaching different objects to a vehicle frame, ensuring easy handling and reliable attachment while minimizing interference and accommodating various objects with limited space.

Implementation Method 1

The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are designed to magnetically assist the placement of the first closure part and the second closure part against one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4008914B1Closure device for connecting two assemblies together
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 FIDLOCK GMBH
  • EP4008914B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4008914B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4008914B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A locking device (2) for connecting two assemblies comprises a first locking part (4) having at least two locking pieces (41A, 41B) each with a locking section (410) and at least one first magnetic element (43A, 43B), and a second locking part (5) having at least two locking receptacles (51A, 51B) and at least one second magnetic element (43A, 43B). Additionally, the locking device has a locking mechanism (52) arranged on the second locking part (5), which has at least two locking elements (524, 527) and an actuating mechanism operatively connected to the locking element (524, 527), wherein the locking elements (524, 527) can be brought into operative contact with the locking sections (410) of the locking pieces (41A, 41B) in a closed position in order to establish a positive locking or friction locking connection between the first locking part (4) and the second locking part (5).