Magnetic Removable Fastener for Reconfigurable Anechoic Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching anechoic material in testing structures, such as anechoic chambers, require adhesives that damage the material and make reconfiguration or reassembly difficult, necessitating precise initial placement and additional costs for replacement.

Innovation Solution

A removable fastener system using magnets and retention mechanisms, like tines, allows for easy attachment and detachment of anechoic material without damaging it, enabling reconfiguration and reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesives such as glue, epoxy, silicon, Velcro, or tape are used to attach anechoic material, then the material can be securely fixed to the testing structure, but the material is damaged and cannot be reused or reconfigured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidreconfiguration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate components: a fastener with retention mechanism that can be removed and repositioned. This segmentation allows the anechoic material to be detached and reconfigured without damage, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and reusability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A removable fastener acts as an intermediary between the anechoic material and the testing structure. This mediator provides secure attachment during testing while allowing damage-free removal and reconfiguration, simultaneously achieving both strong fixation and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If adhesives are used to attach anechoic material, then precise initial placement can be achieved, but repositioning or reassembly becomes difficult and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement precisionVSAvoidreassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system transitions from a static adhesive bond to a dynamic removable fastener system. This allows the anechoic material to be precisely positioned initially and then easily repositioned or reconfigured as needed, resolving the contradiction between placement precision and reassembly ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If permanent attachment methods are used, then the anechoic material remains fixed during testing, but the material cannot be removed for reuse or reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial stabilityVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the attachment function into a removable fastener component, allowing the anechoic material to maintain stability during testing while enabling easy removal and reuse by detaching the fastener

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable fastener system enables recovery of the anechoic material after testing. The material can be detached without damage and reused in future testing configurations, resolving the contradiction between stability during use and ease of removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 system facilitates easy repositioning and reconfiguration of anechoic material without damaging it, reducing costs and maintaining material effectiveness for testing environments.

Implementation Method 1

The retention mechanism can be any mechanism known in the art capable of being retained by a magnet such as a ferrous material or a material with a magnetic coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4179341B1Removable fastener for anechoic material
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4179341B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4179341B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4179341B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An apparatus for fastening anechoic material. The apparatus includes a base. The apparatus also includes a retention mechanism coupled to the base. The apparatus further includes an attachment mechanism coupled to the base. The apparatus is configured such that the attachment mechanism is able to removably attach the apparatus to a ferrous wall.