Magnetic Strap Attachment for Secure and Adjustable Carrying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional straps require mechanical connections for attachment, which can be difficult to use and do not offer easy personal adjustments in length or other attributes, making them cumbersome for various applications.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnetic attachment points on straps or bands allows for easy attachment and detachment, providing a system that includes a length of material with magnetic features for secure and adjustable attachment to devices or objects, enabling symmetric or asymmetric attachment configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical connections are used to attach straps to items, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the operation becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems (buckles, clips, screws) with a magnetic field-based attachment system. Magnets embedded in the strap and corresponding ferromagnetic elements in the item create secure attachment through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening mechanisms while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the core attachment function from complex mechanical assemblies and isolates it to simple magnetic elements. By removing unnecessary mechanical components and retaining only the essential magnetic attraction mechanism, the system achieves both security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If mechanical connections are used to attach straps, then the attachment is fixed and stable, but adjustments to length and attributes become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidadjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attachment system enables dynamic adjustment of strap length and configuration. Users can easily modify the attachment points along the strap while maintaining secure connection through magnetic force, allowing the system to adapt to different body sizes and application requirements without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows for easy modification of attachment parameters such as length, position, and configuration by simply moving the magnetic attachment points along the strap. The magnetic connection maintains stability across these parameter changes, enabling versatile adjustment while preserving secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If mechanical connections are used, then the strap is securely attached, but removal and replacement become difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing mechanical fastening systems with magnetic attachment, the patent enables rapid attachment and detachment. The magnetic connection provides secure holding force during use but allows for quick release when needed, dramatically reducing the time required for attachment and replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic attachment system allows users to quickly attach and detach straps without the time-consuming operations of threading, buckling, or unscrewing mechanical components. The simple approach of bringing magnetic elements together for attachment and separating them for removal enables rapid deployment and replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 magnetic attachment system facilitates quick and secure attachment of straps to devices or objects, allowing for easy adjustments and personalized use, enhancing usability and convenience across various applications.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one attachment point may include at least one magnetic feature configured to attach and detach the device and the length of material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The at least one attachment point may include at least one magnetic feature configured to attach and detach the device and the length of material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11480202B2Attachment apparatuses and associated methods of use and manufacture

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 APPLE INC

AI summary

A system for carrying or using a device includes the device and at least one attachment apparatus. The device may include at least one attachment element. The attachment apparatus may include a length of material and at least one attachment point arranged on an end of the length of material. The at least one attachment point may include at least one magnetic feature configured to attach and detach the device and the length of material. The material can include but is not limited to cloth, metallic (magnetic and non-magnetic), fibrous material, and so forth.