Magnetic Key Assembly Integrating Magnet Into Bow Aperture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keys are bulky when magnetically attached, making them difficult to conceal, and they tend to rattle and get tangled, creating noise and inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A key design featuring a magnet integrated within the key ring aperture of the bow, allowing for magnetic attachment without increasing the key's dimensions, and a configuration that prevents rattling by aligning keys magnetically while allowing for easy rotation and concealment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a magnetic key case is used to attach keys to ferrous objects, then magnetic attachment functionality is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to conceal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic attachment functionalityVSAvoidkey case size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the magnet directly with the key bow by forming the magnet as an integral part of the key bow structure, eliminating the need for a separate key case. This integration achieves magnetic attachment functionality while maintaining a compact, concealable size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the magnet from a separate housing or case and integrates it directly into the key bow structure. This removes the bulky case while retaining the magnetic attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional keys are mounted on a key ring, then multiple keys can be carried together, but rattling noise and tangling occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey carrying capabilityVSAvoidrattling noise and tangling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key ring system with a magnetic field-based attachment system. Keys are held together and attached to surfaces through magnetic forces rather than mechanical interconnection, eliminating rattling noise and tangling while maintaining the ability to carry multiple keys.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If keys are placed in conspicuous hiding locations, then easy access is achieved, but detection by intruders increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey accessibilityVSAvoiddetection by intruders

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs visual blending by making the magnetic key bow appear similar in color and appearance to the ferrous surface it attaches to, creating a camouflage effect that helps the key blend into the background and remain undetected by intruders while maintaining easy access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 solution enables stealthy concealment of keys while preventing rattling noise and tangling, maintaining the key's conventional size and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet fixedly coupled to the bow by placement within the key ring aperture to provide a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9988827B2Magnetic key assembly

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 BORENSTEIN DAVID FR

AI summary

Magnetic keys, bow caps and key components are described. In one aspect, the present application describes a key. The key includes a blade and a bow connected to the blade. The bow is for applying torque to the blade. The bow defines a key ring aperture located near a top of the bow. The top is the portion of the bow furthest from the blade. The key also include a magnet fixedly coupled to the bow by placement within the key ring aperture to provide a magnetic field on at least one side of the key.