Magnetic Latch Connector for Low-Force Secure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for animal collars and leads, such as spring clips and magnetic locks, are difficult for individuals with rheumatism or arthritis to operate due to the need for manual force and dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a spring-biased claw mechanism with a magnetic latch system, allowing for easy attachment and detachment using magnetic force, reducing the need for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring clip or manually operated spigot mechanism is used, then the connector can be securely locked, but it requires significant manual force and dexterity to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation (spigots or spring clips requiring hand pressure) with a magnetic field-based operation. The magnetic latch uses magnetic attraction between the first magnetic member in the female connector and the second magnetic member in the male connector to automatically engage and lock the claw means, eliminating the need for manual force to actuate the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs self-latching through magnetic attraction. When the male and female connectors are brought together, the magnetic members automatically attract each other, causing the latch means to engage the claw means without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the magnetic field to complete the locking action.
2Ease of operation
If a magnetic latch system is used, then ease of operation is improved for users with mobility impairments, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The first magnetic member is incorporated within the housing of the female connector, and the second magnetic member is integrated into the body of the male connector. The latch means and claw means are combined with the magnetic members to form a unified magnetic latch system, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining functionality.
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 easy and secure connection and disconnection of animal collars and leads without requiring significant manual force, benefiting users with mobility impairments.
Implementation Method 1
spring biased latch means arranged to prevent opening of said claw means, said latch means further including at least one first magnetic member to facilitate said latch means to disengage said detent against said spring bias
Implementation Method 2
the second member may be removed from the first member in a second direction opposite to said first direction wherein the latch is lifted by a second magnetic member acting in cooperation with said at least one first magnetic member to lift the latch means out of said contact
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has a first member (1) forming a female member, and a second member (2) forming a male member arranged to co-operate with the female member along a longitudinal axis (3). The first member houses a spring biased claw (44) which has a finger (49) arranged to engage in a detent (25) in the second member so as secure the second member to the first member. A latch (70), which is reciprocal in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (3), is arranged to abut the claw (44) to lock and prevent the claw from opening when engaged in the detent (25). A magnet (76) is attached to the latch (70) and the latch (70) is spring biased by a spring (78) to lock the claw. A second magnet (590,1080) is positioned adjacent the first magnet (76) to withdraw the latch from engagement with the claw, thereby enabling removal of the second member (2).