Magnetic Lockable Holder for Eyeglass Temple Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lockable holders for securing items like eyeglasses are aesthetically unappealing and unreliable, with limited applications and require replacement of parts for reuse, whereas they should be adaptable to various items and secure without destruction.

Innovation Solution

A lockable holder with a body, cavity, recess, and magnetic elements that allow a clamping member to be securely locked onto objects using a magnetic attraction mechanism, enabling easy attachment and detachment without damaging the holder, and accommodating items of different sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clips are used to attach the housing to the temple, then the housing can be securely attached, but the clips must be destroyed and replaced for removal and reuse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical clip system with a magnetic field-based locking mechanism. The locking member contains a magnet that magnetically attracts to the body, eliminating the need for mechanical clips that must be destroyed for removal. This allows the holder to be easily removed and reused on different items without damaging any components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a specialized tool is required to remove the housing and clips from the temple, then secure attachment is achieved, but the removal process becomes complex and destructive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic locking mechanism allows the holder to be removed simply by pulling it away from the temple, as the magnetic force can be overcome by direct manual force. No specialized tools are needed, and no components are destroyed during removal, making the process simple and non-destructive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the holder is designed for specific applications with clips, then secure attachment is achieved, but the number of applications is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidapplication variety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with a universal attachment mechanism that can accommodate various items of different sizes and shapes. The magnetic locking system combined with the adjustable clamping member allows the holder to be securely attached to eyeglass temples, headphones, and other objects without requiring application-specific design modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If tape is used to directly attach the security tag to the temple, then the attachment process is simple, but the appearance is compromised and reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoidattachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a housing with a magnetic locking mechanism as an intermediary between the security tag and the temple. This intermediary structure provides a secure and reliable attachment while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the temple, as the holder can be designed to blend with the overall appearance rather than using visible tape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 lockable holder provides a secure and versatile solution for attaching to a wide range of items without damaging any parts, ensuring reliable locking and unlocking functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the second magnetic element is moved from its unlocking to locking position and magnetically attracted to the first magnetic element to lock the clamping member in position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP1867816B1Lockable holder
Publication Date: 2008.07.30 WASHIN OPTICAL CO LTD
  • EP1867816B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1867816B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1867816B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A lockable holder (20) includes a body (22) defining a cavity (24) and a recess (26) communicated with the cavity (24). A first magnet (28) is embedded in the body (22). A clamping member (48) is removably insertable into the cavity (24) and has a bore (50). A locking member (52) includes a second magnet (56) movable between an unlocking position wherein the second magnet (56) is received within the bore (50) and a locking position wherein the second magnet is partly extracted from the bore (50), and the partly extracted portion of the second magnet is inserted into the recess (26). The body (22) includes a clamping surface (38) and opposite guide passages (43, 44) connected to the cavity (24). When the clamping member (48) is urged against the clamping surface (38) to clamp a strap (46) therebetween, the second magnet (56) is moved from the unlocking to locking position and magnetically attracted to the first magnet (28) to lock the clamping member (48) in position.