Magnetic Locking Connector With Tilt-Resistant Two-Point Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices face challenges in providing a simple, comfortable, and secure connection method that allows for position-tolerant assembly and secure, resilient hold between connecting parts, while preventing unintentional loosening under load.
Innovation Solution
The connecting device features a positive-locking section on the first base body that counters tilting of the second connecting part, combined with magnetic attraction and a unique engagement mechanism where the second base body engages with the first base body in a manner that creates a two-point support with a free space, allowing for easy attachment and separation, and includes a blocking section to prevent disengagement without tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engagement section engages with the engagement protrusion in a form-fit or force-fit manner along an engagement direction different from the closing direction, then the connecting parts are held together securely, but the connection requires precise alignment and is sensitive to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the engagement direction from being collinear with the closing direction to being different (e.g., perpendicular or oblique). This parameter change allows the engagement section to engage with the engagement protrusion in a direction that provides better self-alignment and tolerance compensation, reducing sensitivity to positioning errors while maintaining secure connection through form-fit or force-fit engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension change by making the engagement direction different from the closing direction. This dimensional change creates a more favorable engagement geometry that accommodates positioning tolerances and enables easier assembly while maintaining connection reliability
2Device complexity
If the second base body abuts against the first base body in a single region, then the structure is simple, but the connection is sensitive to tilting and positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function into multiple regions: a first region where the second base body abuts against the first base body, and a second region that is spaced apart to create free space. This segmentation provides both tilting compensation through the spaced region and secure support through the abutment region, improving reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spacing in the engagement direction to create free space between the first and second base bodies in the second region. This dimensional change allows for tilting compensation and positioning tolerance accommodation while maintaining structural simplicity through selective abutment in the first region
3Ease of operation
If the connecting parts are magnetically attracted along the closing direction, then the attachment is simple and fast, but the connection may loosen under load without additional mechanical locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges magnetic attraction along the closing direction with form-fit or force-fit engagement along a different engagement direction. This combination provides simple and fast attachment through magnetic attraction while simultaneously ensuring load resistance through the mechanical engagement of the engagement section with the engagement protrusion
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement protrusion acts as an intermediary mechanical locking element that supplements the magnetic attraction. It provides additional mechanical locking in a different direction to prevent loosening under load, while the magnetic devices continue to provide simple and fast attachment through attraction along the closing direction
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
This configuration enables secure, resilient connection and easy separation of the connecting parts, maintaining the connection under load without unintentional loosening, while allowing for angular tolerance and twistability, enhancing user convenience and handling.
Implementation Method 1
The first magnetic device and the second magnetic device cooperate in a magnetically attracting manner along the closing direction to support the placing of the first connecting part and the second connecting part against one another
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a connecting device includes a first connecting part which includes a first base body and at least one engagement protrusion arranged rigidly on the first base body, and a second connecting part, which can be attached to the first connecting part in a closing direction and includes a second base body with an engagement section arranged rigidly on the second base body. The first connecting part includes a first magnetic device and the second connecting part includes a second magnetic device. The first magnetic device and the second magnetic device interact in a magnetically attracting manner along the closing direction to support the attachment of the first connecting part and the second connecting part to one another. The first connecting part includes a blocking section which is configured to cooperate with the second connecting part in the connected position.