Magnetic Latch Systems for Strap Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch systems for securing items to vehicles often require difficult or impossible access to secure the strap end to a structural location, especially when the item is in place, making it cumbersome to quickly and easily secure the strap.
Innovation Solution
A latch system comprising a socket assembly and a plug assembly with magnetic components that allow the socket assembly to be attracted to the plug assembly, enabling the strap to be secured without direct access, by using a magnetically attracted mechanism that displaces the socket assembly towards the plug assembly to create a latched configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical latch systems are used to secure straps to structures, then the strap can be securely fastened, but the system requires direct access to difficult-to-reach locations making it cumbersome and time-consuming to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment and engagement mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. The magnet in the plug assembly automatically attracts and guides the socket assembly into proper alignment and engagement without requiring manual alignment or direct access to difficult locations, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining secure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attraction mechanism enables the latch system to self-align and self-engage. When the socket assembly approaches the plug assembly, the magnetic field automatically guides the socket into the correct position and pulls it into engagement, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and making the system serve itself
2Loss of time
If manual alignment methods are used for latch systems, then direct control over engagement is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires direct access to the latch location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual alignment operations with magnetic field guidance. The magnetic attraction force automatically guides the socket assembly into proper alignment and engagement position, eliminating time-consuming manual alignment steps and reducing the time required to secure the strap while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field is pre-configured in the plug assembly to automatically guide and position the socket assembly during approach. This preliminary magnetic guidance action occurs before physical engagement, pre-positioning the components correctly and eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment during the securing process
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 quick and easy securing of straps to difficult-to-reach locations, ensuring the strap is securely fastened even when access is restricted, such as behind an item like a watercraft, without the need for manual alignment or direct access to the latch system.
Implementation Method 1
When the socket assembly is within a predetermined distance from the plug assembly, the socket magnet member and plug magnet member displace the socket assembly towards the plug assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A latch system has a socket assembly and a plug assembly. When the socket assembly is within a predetermined distance from the plug assembly, a socket magnet member and a plug magnet member displace the socket assembly towards the plug assembly. To place the latch system in an engaged configuration, the head portion of the plug member passes through a main opening in a socket housing and a plug opening in a socket plate such that the head portion is within the primary chamber. To place the latch system in a latched configuration, the socket assembly is displaced relative to the plug assembly to arrange at least a portion of the socket plate within a head gap defined by a head portion of a plug member.