Magnetic Interlocking Strap Fastener for Quick Symmetric Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners, such as frame and prong buckles and snap-fit buckles, suffer from manufacturing complexity, aesthetic asymmetry, and user difficulty in quick and secure attachment due to the need for manual alignment of male and female components.
Innovation Solution
A fastening apparatus comprising interlocking members with embedded magnets and ridges/grooves that allow for easy, secure, and symmetrical attachment by sliding engagement, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing processes and manual alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frame and prong buckle design is used, then the fastener can secure the belt, but holes must be punched through the belt material causing irreparable damage and increased bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the prong component from the traditional frame-and-prong buckle design, replacing it with a magnetic fastening mechanism. The magnetic fastener consists of a magnetic element and a retaining element that work together to secure the belt without requiring holes in the belt material, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of material damage and bulkiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical prong-and-hole system with a magnetic field-based fastening system. The magnetic element generates a magnetic field that attracts and holds the retaining element, eliminating the need for mechanical penetration of the belt material and the associated bulkiness of overlapping belt ends.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If male and female fastening components are used, then the need for holes in belt material is eliminated, but separate manufacturing processes are required resulting in greater manufacturing expense and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the male and female fastening components into a single integrated fastening device. The magnetic element and retaining element are combined in one component that can be manufactured as a single unit, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing processes and reducing overall manufacturing complexity and expense.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device is designed to be universal and can be used on both ends of the belt or strap. The same magnetic fastening mechanism serves multiple functions: securing the belt, providing a clean appearance without holes, and simplifying the manufacturing process through component standardization.
3Reliability
If male and female fastening components with geometrical differences are used, then the components can interlock, but aesthetic asymmetries are introduced that negatively impact appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric design strategically: the magnetic element and retaining element have different geometries that complement each other for proper interlocking, but when assembled, they create a symmetric overall appearance. The asymmetric features are hidden within the fastening mechanism itself, while the external surfaces maintain aesthetic symmetry.
4Reliability
If male and female fastening components are used, then connection is possible, but manual alignment is required causing user difficulty in quick and secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic fastening system provides self-alignment through magnetic attraction. When the fastening components are brought near each other, the magnetic field automatically guides them into proper alignment and secures them together, eliminating the need for manual alignment efforts by the user and enabling quick, one-handed operation.
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 solution provides a fastener that is easy to use, compact, comfortable, and aesthetically symmetrical, reducing manufacturing complexity and user effort while ensuring secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
A first magnet is embedded in the first interlocking member. A second magnet is embedded in the second interlocking member and configured to attract the first magnet.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening apparatus and fastener for interconnecting a strap are disclosed, where such fastening apparatus may made of two interlocking members. Each interlocking member includes a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion, and bridge portion disposed between the first elongated portion and second elongated portion. One elongated portion may be longer than the other elongated portion. A ridge may be disposed along one of the elongated portions and a groove may be disposed along the other elongated portion. One or more magnets may be embedded in any of the two elongated portions or bridge portion. The fastening apparatus may be joined together by rotating one interlocking member by 180 degrees relative to the other interlocking member and sliding the two members together. The ridge and groove of one interlocking member slidably engages with the corresponding groove and corresponding ridge of the other interlocking member, respectively.