Magnetic Closure Assembly With Adjustable Locking Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure devices fail to provide a firm, resilient connection that can be easily and conveniently released, often requiring complex mechanisms or high forces to separate the connected parts.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic closure device with a first closure part and a second closure part, each equipped with a magnet device, where the locking element is designed to be magnetically attractive, allowing for a strong engagement in the closed position and easy release through adjustment of the locking element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a magnetic locking device is used to create a firm connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of release deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of release
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to be adjustable between a locked position (where magnetic attraction creates strong connection) and an unlocked position (where the element disengages from the engagement section). This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between strong connection and easy release states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element acts as an intermediary between the first and second closure parts. When positioned correctly, it mediates the magnetic attraction to create strong connection; when moved to the unlocked position, it interrupts the magnetic interaction, enabling easy release without requiring excessive force

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a complex mechanism is used to ensure firm connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic locking device utilizes self-service through magnetic attraction between the first and second closure parts. The magnetic force automatically draws the parts together and maintains firm connection without requiring additional complex locking mechanisms, springs, or actuating systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical locking systems (such as latches, springs, or complex engagement mechanisms) with a magnetic field-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical components while maintaining reliable connection through the adjustable locking element that controls magnetic interaction

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

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 magnetic interaction provides a secure and resilient connection that can be easily released by adjusting the locking element, allowing for simple detachment of the closure parts without requiring excessive force or complex mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second magnetic devices attract each other magnetically. The at least one locking element is magnetically designed such that, in the closed position, it is biased by the first and/or the second magnetic device in the direction of engagement with the at least one engagement section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3857075B1Closure device with closure parts which can be placed against each other
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 FIDLOCK GMBH
  • EP3857075B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP3857075B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3857075B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

The invention relates to a closure device (1) comprising a first closure part (2) which has a body (20) and a second closure part (3), wherein the closure parts can be placed against each other along a closing direction (X) in order to close the closure device (1) and are connected together in a closed position. At least one locking element (23) is adjustably arranged on the body (20) of the first closure part (2) and engages with at least one engagement section (310) of the second closure part (3) in a closed position such that the first closure part (2) and the second closure part (3) are locked together. The first closure part (2) has a first magnet device (22), and the second closure part (3) has a second magnet device (32). The first magnet device (22) and the second magnet device (32) interact in a magnetically attractive manner when the first closure part (2) and the second closure part (3) are placed against each other, and the at least one locking element (23) is designed to be magnetic such that the at least one locking element (23) is loaded in the direction of an engagement with the at least one engagement section (310) by means of the first magnet device (22) and/or the second magnet device (32) in the closed position.