Magnetic Insulated Enclosure Mounting for Tip and Slide Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermally insulated enclosures face challenges in securing themselves to structures without additional fasteners, especially in unstable environments, and often require convenient structures for mounting, which can lead to issues like tipping and sliding.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a magnet assembly that provides a magnetic coupling mechanism to securely attach the enclosure to ferromagnetic structures, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and allowing attachment to various surfaces, including vertical ones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical fasteners are used to secure the enclosure to a structure, then the enclosure can be prevented from tipping and sliding, but the enclosure can only be secured in locations where there are available structures for the fasteners to engage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of enclosureVSAvoidmounting location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fasteners with a magnetic coupling system. The magnet assembly generates magnetic attraction force that acts through the insulated wall to secure the enclosure to ferromagnetic structures, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and enabling mounting on surfaces where no fastener structures are available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet assembly provides universal mounting capability across diverse ferromagnetic surfaces. The magnetic coupling mechanism can engage with any ferromagnetic structure regardless of whether it has pre-installed fastener points, making the enclosure adaptable to various mounting locations including vertical surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If mechanical fasteners are used to secure the enclosure, then the enclosure can be stabilized, but it is inconvenient to always keep a fastener on hand and to remember to secure the enclosure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of enclosureVSAvoidconvenience of securing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet assembly is permanently integrated into the enclosure, providing self-contained securing capability. The magnetic force automatically engages with ferromagnetic structures when the enclosure is placed against them, eliminating the need for separate fastening actions or carrying additional fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If friction promoting features are added to the bottom surface of the enclosure, then the friction between the container and underlying surface is increased, but it is typically insignificant in unstable environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-sliding capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces friction-based anti-sliding features with magnetic attraction force. The magnetic coupling provides a more reliable anti-sliding and anti-tipping mechanism that is effective in highly dynamic environments where friction alone would be insufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the enclosure is designed to be secured to vertical surfaces, then mounting flexibility is improved, but the securing mechanism must overcome gravitational force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting surface varietyVSAvoidsecuring force requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system naturally provides force in the direction needed to counteract gravity on vertical surfaces. The magnetic attraction force acts perpendicular to the mounting surface, automatically providing the necessary holding force regardless of orientation.

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 coupling ensures the enclosure remains securely attached, preventing tipping and sliding, and can be mounted to any ferromagnetic surface, enhancing convenience and stability in dynamic environments.

Implementation Method 1

The magnet assembly provides an attractive magnetic force sufficient to fixedly secure the thermally insulated enclosure to a ferromagnetic structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10221005B2Magnetic thermally insulated enclosure

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 JAMES JR LEWIS WILLIAM

AI summary

A novel thermally insulated enclosure includes an insulated wall and a magnet assembly coupled thereto for mounting the insulated enclosure to ferromagnetic structures. In a particular embodiment, the magnet assembly includes a plurality of magnets coupled to the insulated wall. In another particular embodiment, the magnet assembly is a removable magnetic device that can be connected and disconnected from the insulated enclosure. In another particular embodiment, the magnet assembly is a removable magnet carrier that can be incorporated into the structure of the insulated enclosure.