Magnetic Strap Attachment for Fast Release and Length Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional straps require mechanical connections for attachment, making it difficult to achieve easy personal adjustments in length and other attributes, and the mechanical connections can be cumbersome to use.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnetic attachment points on straps or bands allows for easy attachment and detachment, providing a system where magnetic elements can securely engage and disengage, enabling adjustable and customizable attachment solutions.

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 attachment process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces 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 fasteners while enabling easy attachment and detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental attachment mechanism from mechanical interlocking to magnetic field interaction. By adjusting magnetic field strength, pole orientation, and ferromagnetic material distribution, the system achieves both secure attachment and easy operation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If mechanical connections are used to fixedly attach straps, then the attachment is stable, but personal 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 allows dynamic adjustment of strap length and configuration. Users can easily modify the strap by attaching or detaching sections, adjusting length, or reconfiguring the strap loop without tools or complex mechanisms, while the magnetic connection maintains stable attachment during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The strap system is divided into modular sections with magnetic attachment points, allowing the strap to be segmented into adjustable length portions. This segmentation enables personal customization while maintaining stable attachment through the magnetic connection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conventional mechanical fasteners are used, then the strap can be securely attached, but removing or replacing the strap becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidtime to remove or replace

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical fastening operations with simple magnetic attachment and detachment. The strap can be quickly attached by bringing it near the item (magnetic attraction does the work) and equally quickly removed by overcoming the magnetic force, dramatically reducing the time required for attachment and removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If magnetic attachment points are used, then easy attachment and detachment is achieved, but the structural complexity of the strap increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment easeVSAvoidstrap structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the magnetic attachment functionality directly into the strap material itself. Magnets are embedded within the strap fabric or housing, and ferromagnetic elements are integrated into the item, creating a unified system where the attachment mechanism is not a separate complex assembly but an inherent property of the materials used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 easy and fast attachment/detachment, allows for adjustable lengths, and provides a secure fit, enhancing user convenience and versatility.

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 field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10914329B2Attachment apparatuses and associated methods of use and manufacture

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 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.