Magnetic-Mechanical Closure Alignment for Reliable Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices struggle to provide a secure connection while ensuring easy operation for both closing and opening, with existing technologies relying on complex mechanisms or magnetic assistance that may lead to incorrect locking or difficult handling.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with magnetic elements on both locking parts that attract each other upon closure, ensuring secure engagement only when properly aligned, and can be easily opened by reversing magnetic attraction or applying mechanical force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic means are used to assist assembly and establish engagement automatically, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of incorrect locking
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic element is introduced as an intermediary force to assist the locking element in approaching and engaging with the engagement element. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that guides the locking element into the correct position without requiring precise manual alignment, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through the subsequent positive mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic element performs a preliminary action by attracting the locking element towards the engagement element before actual mechanical contact occurs. This preliminary magnetic attraction pre-positions the locking element, ensuring it approaches the engagement element in the correct orientation and position, which prevents incorrect locking and maintains reliability.
2Reliability
If mechanical springs are used to pre-tension locking elements, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring pre-tensioning system with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of using mechanical springs to apply force to the locking element, a magnetic element generates magnetic attraction force to achieve the same effect. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity by eliminating springs, mechanical linkages, and associated adjustment mechanisms while maintaining reliable locking through the magnetic force.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic attraction is used to hold locking elements in position, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic element's strength is designed to be dynamic relative to the operational state: during closing, the magnetic attraction is strong enough to pull the locking element into engagement; during opening, when the user applies force to the actuating element, the magnetic hold is overcome. The system exploits the dynamic nature of magnetic force, which can be easily overcome by mechanical force, to achieve easy opening while maintaining secure closed position.
4Strength
If multiple locking elements are used to ensure secure connection, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking elements into a single integrated locking mechanism that is actuated by a common actuating element. When the user operates the actuating element, all locking elements are simultaneously actuated to engage or disengage. This merging approach maintains strong connection through multiple locking points while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms for each locking element.
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 device provides a secure, reliable connection with easy operation by ensuring proper alignment and magnetic assistance, preventing incorrect locking and facilitating effortless opening.
Implementation Method 1
the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element attract each other magnetically, such that the at least one locking element with its positive locking section is moved in the engagement direction from its first position relative to the base element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
A closure device (1) comprises a first closure part (2), which has a base element (20) and, movably arranged on the base element (20), at least one closure element (21A, 21B) with a form-fitting portion (211) arranged thereon, and a second closure part (3), which has an engagement element (31) with an engagement portion (310) formed thereon. The first closure part (2) and the second closure part (3) are separated from one another in an open position of the closure device (1) and, for closing the closure device (2), can be placed on one another along a closing direction (X1). The form-fitting portion (211) of the at least one closure element (21A, 21B) can be brought into engagement with the engagement portion (310) of the engagement element (31) in an engagement direction (X2) substantially transversely with respect to the closing direction (X1). A first magnetic element (22A, 22B) is arranged on the at least one closure element (21A, 21B) of the first closure part (2), and a second magnetic element (32) is arranged on the engagement element (31) of the second closure part (3), wherein the at least one closure element (21A, 21B) of the first closure part (2) assumes, in the open position, a first position relative to the base element (20) and is moved out of the first position when closing the closure device.