Magnetic Hold Assembly for Multi-Position Extendable Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical mechanisms for extendable and retractable lighting applications are cumbersome, prone to wear out, and limited in the number and variety of positions they can hold, making them inefficient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
The use of permanent magnets and magnetizable materials to hold systems, devices, or portions thereof in retracted, extended, or intermediate configurations, allowing for adjustable and stable positioning through magnetic interaction, which resists gravity and minor disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical mechanisms (springs, friction elements, locking assemblies) are used to hold extendable lighting, then positioning capability is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and wears out over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical holding mechanisms (springs, friction elements, locking assemblies) with a magnetic field-based holding system. Permanent magnets generate magnetic fields that interact with magnetizable materials on the support element to hold the lighting at various positions without mechanical contact, eliminating wear and mechanical complexity while maintaining positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the housing and the support element. Instead of direct mechanical interaction, the magnetic field serves as a mediator that transmits holding force across the air gap, enabling contactless positioning and reducing mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical locking assemblies are used to hold positions, then positioning is achieved, but the number and variety of hold positions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static mechanical locking system into a dynamic magnetic holding system. The magnetic field strength and distribution can be adjusted to create multiple discrete hold positions along the support element's travel path, allowing the lighting to be held at various degrees of extension without complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes variations in magnetic field parameters (strength, distribution, polarity) to create multiple hold positions. By configuring permanent magnets with different strengths and arrangements, the system can provide numerous discrete positioning points along the support element's range of motion, increasing adaptability without adding mechanical complexity.
3Reliability
If permanent magnets are used to hold the support element, then mechanical wear is eliminated, but the force required to overcome magnetic attraction must be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic holding force locally at specific positions along the support element rather than uniformly throughout. Permanent magnets are strategically positioned to create discrete hold points, allowing the support element to move freely between positions while providing targeted magnetic attraction only where needed, thus reducing the overall force requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial magnetic action by engaging only specific magnet pairs at a time rather than all magnets simultaneously. The magnetic field is configured to provide just enough holding force at each discrete position to counteract gravity and minor disturbances, but can be easily overcome by user input to move to the next position, optimizing the balance between holding strength and ease of operation.
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
Provides a reliable, adjustable, and stable solution for holding lighting and other devices in various configurations, resisting gravity and minor forces, with easy user operation, and extending the lifespan of the system by eliminating mechanical wear.
Implementation Method 1
wherein upon alignment of the ferromagnetic material of the support element with the one or more permanent magnets of the housing, the support element is held at a fixed degree of extendedness from the housing
Implementation Method 2
the support element comprises a ferromagnetic material; wherein upon alignment of the ferromagnetic material of the support element with the one or more permanent magnets of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides compositions and methods for holding systems, devices, apparatuses, or portions thereof in a retracted, extended, or intermediate configuration. In particular, the invention provides permanent magnets and/or magnetizable materials configured to hold systems, devices, apparatuses, or portions thereof in retracted, extended, and/or intermediate configurations.