Self-Locking Spring Clip Magnetic Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spring clips used for coupling leashes to pet collars and in sports, nautical, and mountaineering applications are difficult to couple and release, especially under conditions of animal movement or emergency situations, posing safety risks due to the need for manual operation and lack of speed and precision.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking spring clip design featuring a main body with guide means, a magnetic hook for automatic coupling, and a lever for safe locking and easy one-handed operation, allowing quick attachment and release by utilizing magnetic attraction and mechanical profiles to move the hook between open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional spring clips use manual pin operation for coupling and release, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and safety risks increase under emergency conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional manual pin operation with a magnetic field-based automatic coupling system. The magnetic hook automatically couples with the ring through magnetic attraction when brought into proximity, eliminating the need for manual pin manipulation. For release, a lever mechanism provides mechanical advantage to overcome the magnetic holding force, enabling easy one-handed operation. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with magnetic field-based automatic coupling resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip performs the coupling action automatically through magnetic attraction when the hook approaches the ring, without requiring manual intervention to open or close the pin. The system serves itself by using the magnetic field to both couple and hold the connection, with release requiring only lever actuation. This self-service capability significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Speed
If traditional spring clips require manual pin manipulation, then the device complexity remains low, but the speed of action deteriorates in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field-based coupling system enables instantaneous attachment when the hook approaches the ring, eliminating the time required for manual pin manipulation. The magnetic attraction automatically engages the connection without delay. For release, the lever mechanism provides rapid mechanical advantage to overcome magnetic holding force. This mechanical-to-magnetic substitution dramatically increases coupling and release speed, addressing the speed requirement in emergency situations while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic hook is pre-configured with magnetic polarity to create attractive force toward the ring, so that coupling occurs automatically as soon as the components are brought into proximity. This preliminary magnetic preparation eliminates the need for final manual engagement actions, enabling instant coupling in emergency situations. The lever is also pre-positioned to provide immediate mechanical advantage for rapid release when needed.
3Reliability
If traditional spring clips use simple pin mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental opening or failure under load
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field provides continuous attractive force to hold the coupling securely under load, replacing the mechanical pin that could fail or accidentally disengage. The magnetic holding force acts continuously rather than relying on mechanical interlocking that may fail. The lever mechanism provides controlled release only when deliberately actuated. This magnetic-based system significantly improves reliability and coupling security while increasing device complexity through the integration of magnetic components and lever mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as a cushioning force that continuously maintains the coupled state, preventing accidental opening under sudden loads or vibrations. The magnetic attraction provides a buffer against forces that might otherwise cause mechanical failure or unintended release. This preliminary magnetic cushioning ensures reliable coupling security while requiring more complex device structure compared to simple pin mechanisms.
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 self-locking spring clip simplifies the coupling and release process, enhancing safety by enabling automatic and secure attachment and easy operation with minimal user effort, reducing the risk of accidental opening and unforeseen consequences.
Implementation Method 1
equipped with magnetic type means (31) designed to attract the body to be retained, facilitating the coupling
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a self locking safety spring clip including at least a main body (21) provided with an opening (38) designed to receive a ring. The main body (21) houses a first locking element (25) equipped at an end with a hook-shaped part or hook (26) and rotatable about a first pin (27) integral with the main body, as well as a second locking element (29) opposite the previous one, rotatable about a second pin (30) integral with the main body, the second locking element (29) being equipped with a magnetic element (31) designed to attract the ring thus facilitating the coupling and simultaneously the locking to the hook-shaped part or hook (26).