Magnetic Garment Locking System for Disability Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional garment locking systems, such as buttons and zippers, are difficult for individuals with disabilities to operate due to their complexity.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic and ferromagnetic component system that detachably couples opposing sides of a garment, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement by utilizing complementary magnetic/ferromagnetic materials and structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional locking systems (buttons, zippers) are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for individuals with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems (buttons requiring insertion through slits, zippers requiring coordinated pulling) with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The magnetic attraction between the first and second components provides secure attachment without requiring precise manual dexterity, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical interlocking to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic field strength as the attachment parameter rather than mechanical geometry, the system becomes easier to operate for individuals with disabilities while maintaining secure attachment through adjustable magnetic forces.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic/ferromagnetic components are added to assist engagement, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic/ferromagnetic components that create an automatic attraction force between the first and second components. This magnetic pull assists users in aligning and engaging the components without requiring precise manual manipulation, thereby improving ease of engagement while the modular magnetic component design keeps the overall system complexity manageable.
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
Simplifies the process of attaching and detaching garments for individuals with disabilities and others, providing ease of use while maintaining secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
complementary magnetic/ferromagnetic components associated with each of the first and second components to assist in detachably coupling the first component to the second component
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a garment locking device appliance. The garment locking device includes a first component including an extension and a base element at one end of the extension. The first component is configured to be secured to a first garment material. The garment locking device includes a second component including a body with a channel formed therein. The channel is dimensioned to accommodate passage of the base element therethrough. The second component is configured to be secured to a second garment material. Passage of the base element of the first component into the channel of the second component detachably couples the first component to the second component, and detachably couples the first garment material to the second garment material. The first and second components include complementary magnetic or ferromagnetic components to assist in detachably coupling the first and second components to each other.