Magnetic Closure Folder for Visual Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folders with retention mechanisms, such as pockets, prongs, and clips, often make accessing stored papers cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A folder design featuring a magnetic closure with a patch of magnetic-receptive material on the back flap and a magnet on the front flap, allowing for easy opening and closing, along with transparent front flaps for visibility and mount strips for vertical suspension, facilitating quick access and updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retention mechanisms (pockets,prongs,clips) are used to secure papers in folders, then papers are held securely, but access to papers becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical retention mechanisms (pockets,prongs,clips) with a magnetic field-based closure system. The magnetic closure uses magnetic attraction forces to hold the front flap and papers in place, eliminating the need for complex mechanical structures while providing secure retention and easy access through simple flap manipulation
2Reliability
If opaque folder materials are used, then papers are securely enclosed, but visibility of papers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the folder structure. The front flap is made transparent or translucent to allow visibility of papers when closed, while the back flap remains opaque to provide structural support and secure enclosure. This local differentiation of material properties simultaneously achieves both visibility and secure enclosure
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
Enables convenient access and visibility of stored papers while maintaining them securely in place, allowing for efficient management and updates within a visual management system.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic closure includes a patch of magnetic-receptive material coupled to the back flap and a magnet coupled to the front flap. The patch and the magnet are arranged between the back flap and the front flap adjacent to the free corner of the front flap such that papers in the paper storage area are trapped between the patch and the magnet when the front flap is closed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a folder including a magnetic closure adapted for use in a visual management system. The folder includes a back flap and a front flap that cooperate to define a storage area for papers. The magnetic closure is configured to selectively hold the folder in a closed position.