Magnetic Locking Parts With Rotational Release Mechanism

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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 featuring a magnetic device and an adjustable locking element that can be rotated to disengage from an engagement section, utilizing magnetic interaction for secure locking and easy release, facilitated by a guide device converting rotational motion into linear or oblique adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a magnetic closure device uses magnetic interaction for locking, then the connection becomes firm and resilient, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional magnetic devices and adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the locking element: it serves as both the magnetic interaction component (through ferromagnetic material) and the mechanical locking component (through engagement with the engagement section). This merging reduces the need for separate magnetic devices while maintaining firm connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides magnetic attraction to assist closing, mechanical locking through engagement with the engagement section, and controlled release through rotation. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function.

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

2Strength

If a closure device uses a complex locking mechanism to achieve firm connection, then the connection strength improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in releasing the connection

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

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to be rotatable about an axis, transforming the static locking mechanism into a dynamic one. This allows the locking element to easily transition from the locked position (engaged with engagement section) to the released position (rotated out of engagement) by simply rotating around the axis, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring force to push the locking element out of engagement, the mechanism inverts the release action: rotating the locking element about its axis automatically disengages it from the engagement section. This inversion of the release mechanism makes operation much easier and more convenient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a closure device uses magnetic interaction for assisted closing, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional magnetic components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of closingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates magnetic functionality directly into the locking element by incorporating ferromagnetic material, rather than using separate magnetic devices. This merging provides magnetic assistance for closing while minimizing additional components and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ferromagnetic material is applied locally to specific regions of the locking element where magnetic interaction is needed, rather than making the entire component magnetic. This localized application provides the necessary magnetic assistance for closing while keeping the overall device complexity low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 closure device achieves a firm, resilient connection that can be easily released by simple actuation, ensuring secure attachment and detachment with minimal effort, suitable for various applications including electronic devices and vehicle accessories.

Implementation Method 1

The first magnet device and the second magnet device interact magnetically in such a way that when the first closure part and the second closure part are placed on one another, the closure parts are pulled towards one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The at least one locking element is designed magnetically in such a way that the at least one locking element is loaded in the closed position by the first magnet device and/or the second magnet device in the direction of engagement with the at least one engagement section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic loading: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3800360B1Locking device with attaching locking parts
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 FIDLOCK GMBH
  • EP3800360B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3800360B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3800360B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A locking device (1, 1A-1D) comprises a first locking part (2, 2A-2D) having a body (20) and a second locking part (3, 3A-3D). A locking element (23) and an engagement section (310) engage with each other in a closed position such that the first locking part (2, 2A-2D) and the second locking part (3, 3A-3D) are locked together. The first locking part (2, 2A-2D) has a first magnetic element (22) and the second locking part (3, 3A-3D) has a second magnetic element (32), which attract each other magnetically when the first locking part (2, 2A-2D) and the second locking part (3, 3A-3D) are brought into contact.The at least one locking element (23) is magnetically designed such that the at least one locking element (23) in the closed position is biased by the first magnetic device (22) and/or the second magnetic device (32) in the direction of engagement with the at least one engagement section (310), wherein the first locking part (2, 2A-2D) has an adjusting part (21) which can be actuated by rotating an actuating element (24) in an actuating direction (B) in order to disengage the at least one locking element (23) from each other and from the at least one engagement section (310) in order to release the first locking part (2, 2A-2D) and the second locking part (3, 3A-3D).