Magnetic Fastener for Athletic Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for attaching competitor identifiers to clothing during athletic events are either destructive, prone to degradation from sweat and water, or ineffective in resisting lateral movement, making them unsuitable for continuous use and repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic fastening system using rare earth magnets with a casing and a projection mechanism that allows for easy repositioning while resisting water and sweat degradation, providing a secure yet adjustable attachment of identifiers to clothing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adhesive is used to attach indicator to clothing, then indicator can be easily applied, but adhesive quality deteriorates when subjected to sweat and prolonged movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive system with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The magnetic indicator contains a magnet that attracts to the metalized fabric of the clothing, eliminating the need for adhesive substances that degrade with sweat and movement. This substitution of mechanical/magnetic attraction for chemical bonding resolves the contradiction between ease of application and reliability under athletic conditions.
2Strength
If pins are used to attach indicator to clothing, then indicator can be securely attached, but clothing material is destroyed and repositioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical piercing system (pins) with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The magnet in the indicator attracts to the metalized fabric without puncturing it, maintaining the integrity of the clothing material while providing secure attachment. The magnetic force provides sufficient holding strength without compromising the fabric's composition or making repositioning difficult.
3Ease of operation
If pins are used to attach indicator to clothing, then indicator can be attached, but additional holes must be punctured for repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system allows the indicator to be easily repositioned by simply moving it to a new location where the magnet can attract to the metalized fabric. No additional holes or punctures are needed, as the magnetic field can engage with the metalized fabric at any position. This resolves the contradiction by providing repositioning capability while preserving the integrity of the clothing material.
4Volume of moving object
If small magnets are used to affix object to clothing, then device can be compact, but effectiveness in resisting lateral movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by metalizing specific areas of the fabric (creating localized magnetic attraction zones) and using a magnet size optimized for both compactness and sufficient attractive force. The metalized fabric provides concentrated magnetic attraction points that enhance the holding force without requiring a large magnet, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and resistance to lateral movement.
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 fastening system securely attaches competitor identifiers to clothing, resisting lateral movement and environmental degradation, ensuring visibility and ease of repositioning during athletic events.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetically attractive member comprising a magnetically attractive element retained in a casing... a second magnetically attractive member comprising a correspondingly polarized magnetically attractive element... the attraction between the two magnetic elements
Implementation Method 2
friction created by the attraction between the two magnetic elements in conjunction with the interaction between the projection of the casing of the first magnetically attractive member and the opening or depression in the second magnetically attractive member together resist lateral movement
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention affix numbering indicators to clothing of competitors during competitive events. A strong magnetic attraction in conjunction with an interaction between a projection on the bottom surface of a top magnetically attractive member and a hole in the bottom magnetically attractive member resists movement of the numbering indicator, while allowing lateral repositioning. The two magnetically attractive members can be encased in a water-resistant material to prevent degradation or discoloration by exposure to sweat. A graphical layer affixed to the upper surface of the top magnetically attractive member can display a custom visual depiction, such as a brand logo or advertisement. Additionally, a transparent layer can be affixed to the graphical layer to protect it from degradation while also permitting a substantially clear view of the visual depiction.