Adjustable Magnetic Locking Element for Irregular Surface Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices struggle to provide a reliable connection on irregularly shaped surfaces without large contact areas, leading to potential scratches or scuffs and limited adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a connecting element that moves along a path differing from the linear direction, engaging with an engagement mechanism via magnetic attraction, allowing for a secure connection without direct contact between locking parts, even on irregular surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking parts are brought into direct contact with each other in a closed position, then the connection between locking parts is established, but the contact area becomes large which may cause scratches or scuffs on irregularly shaped surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary force to establish the connection between locking parts without direct contact. The first magnetic device on the first locking part and the second magnetic device on the connecting element attract each other magnetically, enabling the connecting element to move into the engagement position and form a reliable connection while preventing direct contact between the locking part bodies, thus avoiding surface damage on irregularly shaped surfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting element moves along a linear direction relative to the second body, then the engagement with the engagement device is simplified, but the adaptability to irregularly shaped surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the movement path of the connecting element dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed and linear. The connecting element is guided along a path that can adjust to the geometry of the engagement device, allowing it to move from the starting position to the engagement position in a flexible manner. This dynamic movement path enables the locking device to adapt to irregularly shaped surfaces while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through the use of guide elements and magnetic attraction
3Strength
If spring-loaded locking elements are used to pre-tension the engagement elements, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional spring mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional spring-loaded mechanical pre-tensioning system with a magnetic field-based force generation system. Instead of using spring elements to pre-tension the connecting element, the first magnetic device and second magnetic device generate attractive forces that pull the connecting element into the engagement position and maintain the connection. This substitution eliminates the need for complex spring mechanisms while maintaining or improving connection strength through magnetic attraction
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
Ensures a secure and reliable connection on irregular surfaces, preventing scratches and maintaining aesthetic appearance by minimizing direct contact between locking parts.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second magnetic devices are designed to attract each other magnetically when the first and second locking parts approach each other, thereby moving the connecting element from its starting position to its functional position
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A closure device (1) comprises: a first closure part (2) which has a first body (20), an engagement apparatus (21) arranged on the first body (20) and a first magnet apparatus (22A, 22B); and a second closure part (3) which has a second body (30), a connection element (34A, 34B) arranged to move on the second body (30) and a second magnet arrangement (32A, 32B) arranged on the connection element (34A, 34B). To close the closure device (1), the first closure part (2) and the second closure part (3) can be moved towards one another, and in a closed position the connection element (34A, 34B) is in engagement with the engagement apparatus (21) in order to hold the first closure part (2) and the second closure part (3) together. For transition from an initial position to a functional position, the connection element (34A, 34B) can be moved relative to the second body (30) at least on part of an adjustment path along an adjustment direction (V, V') which differs from a linear direction (X), wherein in the closed position, as a result of the engagement between the connection element (34A, 34B) and the engagement apparatus (21), a movement of the connection element (34A, 34B) relative to the second body (30) along the adjustment direction (V, V') is prevented.