Magnetic Locking Slider for Zipper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zippers lack a secure and convenient mechanism for preventing unauthorized opening, relying on manual force or complex locking systems, which can be cumbersome and prone to misuse.
Innovation Solution
A zipper with a slider that utilizes a magnetic force to transition between locking and unlocking positions, where a permanent magnet externally applied to the control member allows for secure locking and easy unlocking without the need for manual force or complex mechanisms, using a ferrite control member and a pivoting locking member with a pin to prevent opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism is used, then security against unauthorized opening is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical locking mechanism with a magnetic field-based control system. A permanent magnet in the slider interacts with a ferromagnetic control member to achieve locking and unlocking, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of complex mechanical locks while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ferromagnetic control member as an intermediary between the permanent magnet and the locking mechanism. This control member is moved by magnetic attraction/repulsion forces, which in turn actuates the locking member, providing a simple yet effective interface for secure locking and easy magnetic unlocking.
2Reliability
If a complex locking system is used, then security against unauthorized opening is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simple permanent magnet and ferromagnetic control member arrangement. The magnetic field interactions provide the necessary locking and unlocking functions without requiring complex mechanical components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from complex mechanical systems and implements it through a simplified magnetic control mechanism. By removing unnecessary mechanical components and retaining only the core locking function achieved through magnetic interaction, the device complexity is reduced while security is maintained.
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic control mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability against unauthorized opening may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a ferromagnetic control member that is specifically positioned and oriented within the slider. This control member has localized magnetic properties that interact with the permanent magnet in a controlled manner, ensuring that unlocking only occurs when the correct magnetic field is applied, thus preventing unauthorized opening while maintaining ease of legitimate operation.
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 zipper provides a secure and user-friendly solution by allowing easy locking and unlocking with a strong permanent magnet, eliminating the need for manual force or complex locking systems, ensuring authorized access while preventing unauthorized opening.
Implementation Method 1
The control member is moveable from the locking position to the unlocking position by a magnetic force applied to the control member by a permanent magnet in proximity to and external to the casing
Data Source
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AI summary
A zipper has a slider (14) moveable in an opening direction to open the zipper and in a closing direction to close the zipper. The slider (14) comprises a control member (58) and a casing (18, 40, 46), the control member (58) being moveable between a locking position in which movement of the slider (14) in the opening direction is prevented and an unlocking position in which movement of the slider (14) in the opening direction is allowed. When the control member (58) is in the locking position the casing (18, 40, 46) at least partially encloses the control member (58) so as to substantially prevent the application of a contact force tending to move the control member (58) from the locking position to the unlocking position. The control member (58) is at least partly formed of a material to which a magnetic force is applied by a permanent magnet (78) in proximity. Hence, the control member (58) can be moved from the locking position to the unlocking position by application of a magnetic force to the control member (58).