Magnetic Closure System for Functional Clothing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clothing connection systems, such as zippers and Velcro, face challenges in providing adequate safety, ease of use, and adaptability to fit different body shapes, particularly in functional clothing like motorcycle gear.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic closure system is introduced, featuring primary and secondary components that utilize a magnetic force to automatically connect and disconnect the first and second clothing elements, ensuring a secure and adjustable fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a zipper is used to connect the upper part and lower part, then safety is improved by preventing body exposure during falls, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in moving the zipper along the back perimeter

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical zipper system with a magnetic connection system. Magnets are embedded in the clothing elements, creating automatic magnetic attraction that connects the upper and lower parts without requiring manual manipulation of a zipper along the entire perimeter, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining safety through secure connection points

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the continuous zipper connection into discrete magnetic connection points distributed at strategic locations. This segmentation allows the connection to be established automatically at multiple points simultaneously through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need to manually operate a continuous zipper while maintaining distributed safety coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a zipper extends completely along the interface circumference, then safety is improved by preventing displacement, but adaptability deteriorates by depriving the option to adapt waistband width to wearer fit

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection system into multiple discrete magnetic connection points that can be selectively activated. This allows the waistband width to be adapted by engaging different numbers and combinations of magnetic connectors, providing both safety through multiple connection points and adaptability through selective engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic connection system allows dynamic adjustment of the connection configuration. Wearers can engage or disengage specific magnetic connectors to adapt the waistband width to their body fit, while maintaining sufficient connection points to ensure safety during falls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a hook and loop connection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but connection strength deteriorates compared to magnetic force connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hook-and-loop mechanical friction-based connection with a magnetic field-based connection. The magnetic force provides stronger and more reliable connection strength while maintaining ease of operation through automatic attraction when clothing elements are brought into proximity

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

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 magnetic closure system provides a secure, easy-to-use connection that adapts to different body fits, enhancing safety and comfort by eliminating the need for manual handling of closure devices during use.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one closure device has at least one primary component and at least one secondary component which are brought into connection with one another by means of magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3788897B1System for establishing a connection between a first cladding element and a second cladding element and functional clothing comprising such a system
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 IXS AG
  • EP3788897B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3788897B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3788897B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for establishing a connection between a first clothing element (10) and a second clothing element (20) along an interface (15) is provided. In a connected state of the first clothing element (10) and the second clothing element (20), an ensemble (1), which serves in particular as functional clothing, is provided. The system (100) comprises at least one locking device (30) for establishing at least one connection between a first clothing element (10) and the second clothing element (20), wherein the at least one locking device (30) has at least one primary component (31) and at least one secondary component (32) which are connected to each other by means of a magnetic force, such that the first clothing element (10) and the second clothing element (20) are connected to each other.