Magnetic Ball-and-Socket Fixture Holder for Precise Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for components, such as those used in soldering or gluing, face issues like wear and inaccuracy due to threaded wing nuts, elasticity in flexible arms, and reliance on friction, which can lead to component damage and positioning challenges.
Innovation Solution
A fixture device with a ball and socket mechanism, where the ball is made of magnetic material and the socket contains a magnet, allowing for 3-axis articulation and magnetic attachment to a support, providing stable and adjustable component holding without wear and elasticity issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded wing nuts or thumb screws are used to hold the joint together, then the holding force is sufficient, but wear occurs affecting the need of constantly adjusting the threaded wing nut or thumb screw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a magnetic field-based holding system. The magnet embedded in the fixture holder exerts magnetic force on ferromagnetic materials, eliminating the need for threaded wing nuts or thumb screws that suffer from wear and require constant adjustment. This substitution maintains sufficient holding force while improving reliability by eliminating mechanical wear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible arms with clips are used to hold articles, then the device is adaptable to different positions, but adjustments are inaccurate due to built-in elasticity and the arms are subject to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flexible elastic arm mechanism with a rigid arm structure supported by a magnetic field. The magnet provides the necessary flexibility and adaptability without the built-in elasticity that causes positioning inaccuracies. The rigid arm maintains its shape precisely while the magnetic force allows for adjustable positioning, eliminating both the elasticity problem and the wear associated with frequent adjustments.
3Strength
If standard type clips with jagged teeth are used to attract components, then the clip can hold components through friction, but objects may lose friction and be released unintentionally, potentially damaging the component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical friction-based holding system with a magnetic field-based holding system. Instead of relying on jagged teeth and friction that can fail and damage components, the magnet exerts a uniform magnetic force on ferromagnetic materials. This provides secure holding without the risk of sudden release and eliminates the need for jagged teeth that could scratch or damage component surfaces.
4Strength
If threaded connections are used to fixate components, then the holding force is strong, but the threaded parts are subjected to wear requiring constant adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a magnetic field-based system. The magnet provides strong fixating force through magnetic attraction to ferromagnetic materials, eliminating the need for threaded connections that wear down and require constant adjustment. This substitution maintains the necessary holding strength while dramatically reducing maintenance requirements.
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 facilitates precise and stable holding of components with improved accuracy and reduced wear, allowing for easy adjustment and secure attachment, preventing damage and ensuring consistent positioning.
Implementation Method 1
at least a section of the ball (120) is made of a magnetic material such that the ball (120) is maintained in a selected position in relation to the socket (130) by the magnet (150)
Implementation Method 2
the fixture device (100) is arranged to be removably attached to the support (410) by a magnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement including a fixture device that includes a holding device, a ball, a socket and a magnet. The holding device includes first and second holding elements and a biasing member arranged to force at least one of the two holding elements into a holding position. The ball is attached to the holding device. The socket includes a first side configured to receive at least part of the ball. A section of the ball is made of a magnetic material such that the ball is maintained in a selected position in relation to the socket by the magnet. A support includes a magnetic material wherein the fixture device is arranged to be removably attached to the support by a magnetic force and wherein the socket includes a second side attached to the support by the magnet and wherein the socket is movable along the surface of the support.