Actuated Magnetic Reclosable Closure for Remote Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure mechanisms for garments and other applications, such as zippers and Velcro, are difficult for individuals with limited range of motion or motor control to operate, particularly those affected by pregnancy, obesity, injury, paralysis, age, or disabilities.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic closure system comprising first and second structural members with alternating magnetic polarities and an actuator mechanism that allows for remote operation, enabling the closure and opening of apertures without direct contact, using magnets with alternating polarities that transition between attractive and repulsive states under actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional closure mechanisms (zippers, buttons, Velcro) are used, then the closure can be effectively secured, but the operation becomes difficult for individuals with limited range of motion or motor control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical closure mechanisms (zippers, buttons, Velcro) with a magnetic closure system. Magnets are embedded in the closure members, allowing the aperture to be closed through magnetic attraction without requiring manual dexterity. The magnetic force automatically secures the closure when the members are brought into proximity, eliminating the need for precise manual manipulation required by conventional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable or rod as an intermediary element that transmits force from a remote location to the closure members. This allows individuals with limited mobility to operate the closure from a distance by pulling or pushing the cable/rod, which then actuates the closure members to engage or disengage the magnetic attraction, solving the problem of inaccessibility for those with motor control issues.
2Area of stationary object
If the aperture is large, then the closure covers more area, but the operation becomes even more difficult for individuals with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the closure system into separate closure members that can be independently actuated. Each closure member contains embedded magnets and can be operated individually through the cable/rod mechanism. This segmentation allows the closure to effectively cover large apertures while maintaining ease of operation, as each segment can be controlled from a remote location without requiring the user to reach across the entire aperture area.
3Ease of operation
If remote operation is implemented, then accessibility is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic closure system provides self-service by utilizing magnetic attraction to automatically secure the closure members when brought into proximity. The magnetic force itself performs the securing action without requiring complex actuation mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining remote operability through the simple cable/rod transmission system.
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
Facilitates easy and remote operation of closures for individuals with limited mobility, enhancing usability and accessibility for a variety of applications including garments, footwear, and various containers.
Implementation Method 1
magnets with alternating polarities that transition between attractive and repulsive states under actuation
Data Source
AI summary
A closure includes a first magnetic assembly, a second magnetic assembly and an actuator coupled to the first magnetic assembly and the second magnetic assembly. The actuator is arranged to reconfigure the first and second magnetic assemblies from a closed configuration in which the magnetic assemblies are attracted to one another to an open configuration in which the magnetic assemblies are repelled from one another. Where the magnetic assemblies are coupled to respective sides of an aperture in a flexible substrate, operation of the actuator will tend to open and close the aperture.