Magnetic Document Holder With Friction-Enhancing Plastic Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Devices for receiving documents face adhesion issues on dirty ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic surfaces, leading to slipping or falling during loading, especially in industrial environments where one-handed operation is required, and vibrations can cause detachment.

Innovation Solution

A device with a plastic layer that increases static friction, positioned between the magnetic element and the surface, enhances adhesion by reducing the risk of slipping, especially on contaminated surfaces, and includes a flexible plastic film with a low Shore D hardness for improved friction without deforming the rear plastic film.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a magnetic element is used for detachable attachment to ferromagnetic surfaces, then the device can be easily attached and detached, but adhesion is insufficient on dirty or oily surfaces causing slipping or falling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachable attachment capabilityVSAvoidadhesion on dirty surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A plastic layer with high static friction coefficient is introduced as an intermediary between the magnetic element and the ferromagnetic surface. This plastic layer acts as a mediator that maintains reliable adhesion even when the ferromagnetic surface is contaminated with oil or dirt, preventing the device from slipping or falling while preserving the detachable attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system combines magnetic elements with a plastic layer having specific friction properties, creating a composite attachment structure. The magnetic element provides the detachable attachment function while the plastic layer with high static friction coefficient ensures reliable adhesion on contaminated surfaces, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a plastic layer with high static friction is introduced between the magnetic element and the surface, then adhesion on dirty surfaces is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion on dirty surfacesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A thin plastic layer or film with high static friction coefficient is applied between the magnetic element and the ferromagnetic surface. This thin film approach improves adhesion on dirty surfaces while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the layer is thin and flexible rather than a bulky structural component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the plastic film is made flexible with low Shore D hardness to increase friction, then adhesion is improved, but the rear plastic film may deform

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidrear plastic film deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the plastic film structure are given different properties: the portion contacting the ferromagnetic surface has high static friction and flexibility (low Shore D hardness) to ensure adhesion, while the rear plastic film is designed with appropriate stiffness to maintain structural stability and prevent deformation. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between adhesion and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 significantly improves adhesion on dirty surfaces, reducing the risk of slipping and falling, and allows for secure attachment and easy loading of documents, even in industrial environments with vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic element arranged on the rear of the device for detachable attachment of the device to ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic or magnetic surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a plastic layer that at least increases static friction and covers the magnetic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic friction: Static Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2441590B1Device for receiving documents
Publication Date: 2014.03.26 MMS MUNCHNER MAGNET SERVICE BETRIEBS
  • EP2441590B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2441590B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The document retaining device (1) has a joined portion (5) that is formed between edges of flat superposed plastic films (3,4) provided at the document area (2). A magnetic element (6) is arranged for detachably attaching the device main structure to ferromagnetic or magnetically attached surface. A plastic layer is formed on the magnetic element such that static friction is increased when the device main structure is attached to the ferromagnetic or magnetically attached surface.