Magnetic Flexible Track System for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy vehicle tracks are typically rigid and narrow, making them inflexible and difficult to connect correctly, which can lead to noise and require attention to ensure proper alignment during use.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnetic attraction forces between rare earth magnets and interlocking coupling members with tapered geometries to create a flexible and easily connectable track system that supports mobile devices, allowing for alignment and secure coupling without the need for manual attention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid tracks are used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and ease of connection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is divided into modular segments that can be independently connected and disconnected. Each track piece contains magnetic coupling elements at its ends, allowing the track to be segmented into manageable units that maintain structural integrity when connected but offer flexibility when reconfigured.
Solution Approach 2:
The track connection system transitions from static rigid joints to dynamic magnetic couplings. The magnetic coupling elements allow tracks to be easily connected and disconnected while maintaining structural stability during operation, enabling the track layout to be dynamically reconfigured without compromising structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If narrow tracks are used, then ease of handling is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling elements automatically align and connect track pieces when brought into proximity, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment. The tapered geometry of the coupling elements guides them into proper alignment, and the magnetic force secures the connection, making the track easy to assemble while maintaining manufacturability.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment is required for connection, then connection precision can be controlled, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical alignment process is replaced with a magnetic field-based alignment system. The magnetic coupling elements create an invisible alignment guide that automatically directs track pieces into proper positioning, eliminating the need for manual precision alignment while ensuring accurate connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between track pieces during connection. The magnetic force field extends beyond the physical track pieces, creating an alignment zone that guides the pieces into proper positioning before physical contact occurs, simplifying the connection operation while maintaining precision.
4Ease of operation
If friction fit connections are used, then ease of connection is improved, but noise and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-based mechanical connection system is replaced with a magnetic field-based connection system. Instead of relying on friction between physical surfaces, the magnetic coupling elements use magnetic attraction forces to connect track pieces, eliminating the clacking noise associated with friction fit connections while maintaining ease of connection.
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 connection system enables flexible and easily assembled track layouts that reduce noise and improve user experience by ensuring proper alignment and secure coupling of mobile devices, allowing for smooth operation and varied track configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The primary connection mechanism of the embodiments of the present disclosure relies on magnetic attraction force. The use of high-force magnets creates a condition in which magnets will actively connect when positioned within relatively close proximity of each other.
Implementation Method 2
In additional embodiments, interlocking coupling members that may be tapered both horizontally and vertically from base to tip may be incorporated such that when they are pulled together by the magnetic force their geometries assure proper alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of interconnected flexible supports are adapted for use with a mobile device operative by a mobile computing device such as a smart phone and/or tablet for controlled movement of the mobile device in a plurality of directions. The system includes a plurality of flexible supports which may be magnetically coupled together to form a flexible layout having infinite configurations. The supports are configured to be self-aligned when coupled by the magnetic attraction between adjacent supports.