Magnetic Locking Device for Easy Dual-Part Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for strollers and child car seats are not easy to handle, secure, and reliable, and are costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A locking device comprising a first and second locking part with plug-in sections and magnet arrangements, a housing module with plug-in openings and a third magnet arrangement, and an actuating assembly that uses magnetic attraction for attachment and an actuating mechanism with ramps to facilitate easy release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic attraction is used to assist attachment of locking parts to housing module, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pure mechanical attachment with a hybrid system combining magnetic attraction and mechanical positive locking. The magnet arrangements (first, second, and third magnets) create magnetic attraction forces that assist in guiding and attaching the locking parts to the housing module, reducing the need for complex mechanical alignment features while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnet arrangements as intermediary elements between the locking parts and housing module. These magnets serve as mediators that facilitate the attachment process by creating attractive forces, making the connection process easier while the underlying mechanical structure (plug-in sections and locking elements) provides the actual secure attachment.
2Ease of operation
If actuating assembly with ramps is used to facilitate release, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements in the actuating assembly, including spring-loaded locking elements and movable actuating elements with ramps. The springs provide automatic return force, and the ramps convert rotational or linear actuation motion into the force needed to disengage the locking elements, enabling easy one-handed operation without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element features curved or ramped surfaces that guide the locking elements during actuation. These curved surfaces smoothly redirect the applied force to efficiently push the locking elements away from the plug-in sections, facilitating easy release with minimal user effort.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic attraction is used for attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic attraction as a supplementary assistance rather than the primary attachment mechanism. The magnetic forces provide partial assistance in guiding and holding the locking parts during attachment, while the definitive secure connection is achieved through mechanical positive locking. This partial use of magnetic technology keeps costs manageable while still providing operational benefits.
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 device provides a secure, reliable, and easy-to-use locking mechanism that is cost-effective to manufacture, with magnetic assistance for attachment and a mechanism that requires a minimum force to open, preventing unauthorized release.
Implementation Method 1
attachment of the locking parts to the housing module is magnetically assisted
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A locking device (1) comprises a first locking part (3) having a first plug-in section (31) and a first magnet arrangement (35), a second locking part (4) having a second plug-in section (41) and a second magnet arrangement (45), and a housing module (2) having two plug-in openings (200, 201), a third magnet arrangement (25), and an actuating assembly (28). To connect to the housing module (2), the first locking part (3) with the first plug-in section (31) can be inserted into one of the plug-in openings (31, 41) by magnetic attraction of the first magnet arrangement (35) to the third magnet arrangement (25), and the second locking part (4) with the second plug-in section (41) can be inserted into one of the plug-in openings (31, 41) by magnetic attraction of the first magnet arrangement (35) to the third magnet arrangement (25), and are positively connected to the housing module (2) in a closed position.The actuating assembly (22) can be actuated to release the first locking part (3) and the second locking part (4) from the housing module (2). The first locking part (3) and the second locking part (4) can be inserted into each of the plug-in openings (200, 201).