Magnetic Mannequin Joint for Full-Range Posing and Weight Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mannequins have fixed and limited joints, making it difficult to achieve life-like poses and supporting significant weight, which restricts their use in high-quality displays and increases production costs due to the need for custom designs and limited range of motion.
Innovation Solution
A system of magnetically coupled joints with arcuate and convex surfaces, allowing for a full range of motion and supporting substantial weight, enabling easy repositioning and detachment of limbs, and accommodating various poses and props.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixed joints are used to connect mannequin parts, then structural stability is improved, but range of motion and ease of repositioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical joint systems (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic field-based coupling system. Magnets embedded in the mannequin parts create adjustable, reversible connections that allow continuous positioning while maintaining structural stability, enabling both fixed stability and flexible repositioning.
2Ease of operation
If traditional movable joints are used, then ease of repositioning is improved, but weight support capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system generates sufficient magnetic attraction force to counteract the gravitational force on the mannequin parts. The magnets are positioned and sized to create a magnetic field strong enough to support the weight of the parts while allowing easy manual repositioning, effectively using magnetic force to counterbalance gravitational force.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom-designed mannequins are ordered to achieve desired positions, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the mannequin from a static, fixed-configuration structure into a dynamic system where parts can be continuously repositioned and fixed at any desired angle. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for custom manufacturing of differently positioned mannequins, as a single base model can be configured to match multiple display requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic joint system provides universal positioning capability across all mannequin parts, allowing the same base model to serve multiple display configurations. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple custom-designed variants, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining positioning accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If flexible mannequins with steel core are used, then ease of manipulation is improved, but anatomical realism and joint positioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mannequin into separate articulated segments connected by magnetic joints, allowing each body part to be independently positioned. This segmentation provides anatomical realism by replicating human joint locations and movement ranges, while the magnetic coupling maintains ease of manipulation through simple attach/detach operations.
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
Enables life-like positioning, easy repositioning and cost reduction by allowing interchangeable limbs, and supports the use of props, enhancing display flexibility and realism.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic portion on the second element that magnetically couples with the first element through the arcuate surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a mannequin having one or more articulated joints capable of exhibiting a full range of motion and of supporting substantial weight. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for movably joining two parts of a mannequin. The apparatus includes a first element having an arcuate surface and a second element having a convex surface and a magnetic portion. The second element is movably engageable with the first element.