Magnetic Closure With Self-Aligning Guide Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic closures for handbags and similar objects have an unsatisfactory feel due to their non-linear profile, making them difficult to open and risking data erasure on credit cards.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic lock with tubular guide sections and permanent magnets, where one magnet is fixed and the other is movable, allowing for a smooth opening and closing mechanism while shielding credit cards from magnetic fields, using ferromagnetic materials and a resetting device like a spring or weight for a pleasant haptic experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a magnetic closure uses highly non-linear magnetic attraction, then the closure force is strong, but opening the closure requires a jerky movement and provides an unsatisfactory feel
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic closure system is divided into two separate connecting modules (first and second modules), each containing its own permanent magnet. This segmentation allows the magnetic force to be distributed and controlled through the interaction between the two separate magnets, enabling a smoother opening motion while maintaining strong closure force.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide section with a guide surface acts as an intermediary between the two connecting modules. The guide surface guides the movement of the movable magnet, controlling its path during opening and closing operations. This intermediary mechanism transforms the non-linear magnetic attraction into a controlled, smooth motion that provides satisfactory tactile feedback.
2Force
If permanent magnets are placed close to the closure mechanism, then the magnetic closure force is strong, but credit card data may be erased due to magnetic field exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful magnetic field effect is extracted and isolated by placing the permanent magnets within separate connecting modules that are positioned away from the credit card storage area. The guide sections and module structure contain and direct the magnetic field, preventing it from reaching and erasing data on credit cards while maintaining effective closure force at the clasp interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide sections serve as intermediaries that shield and direct the magnetic field. By positioning the magnets at the bottom of guide sections and using the guide surfaces, the magnetic field is confined to the closure mechanism area, creating a protective barrier between the strong magnets and the credit cards that may be stored in the bag.
3Ease of operation
If the magnetic closure opens smoothly with magnetic repulsion, then the tactile feel is pleasant, but lateral forces during opening must be absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The guide section with its guide surface acts as an intermediary that absorbs and manages the lateral forces generated during opening. As the movable magnet follows the guide surface, the guide section provides mechanical support and constraint, converting the lateral magnetic repulsion forces into controlled motion along the guide path while absorbing the lateral components of the force.
Solution Approach 2:
The force management is segmented between the magnetic repulsion (which provides the opening force) and the guide section (which absorbs the lateral components). This separation of force functions allows the magnetic system to provide smooth opening while the mechanical guide structure handles the lateral force absorption, preventing unwanted movements or damage.
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 reliable and pleasant opening and closing experience while protecting credit card data by absorbing magnetic forces and reducing magnetic field exposure, resulting in a stable and secure closure.
Implementation Method 1
due to the highly non-linear magnetic attraction, opening them by hand usually requires a jerky movement
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic repulsion forces separate the modules smoothly and pleasantly
Implementation Method 3
These lateral forces are absorbed by the interlocking guide sections
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a magnetic closure for preferably closing hand bags or the like articles. The magnetic closure comprises connecting modules having a tubular or grooved guide section, the guide sections being configured to be insertable in one another. Permanent magnets are arranged on the base of the guide sections, the permanent magnet in the first guide section being fixed and the permanent magnet in the second guide section being arranged so as to be movable in such a manner that the permanent magnet automatically self-aligns in a pulling position in relation to the other permanent magnet when the closure is closed.