Modular Magnetic Strap Coupling for Easy Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional straps for electronic devices lack easy personal adjustments in length and other attributes, and their mechanical connections can be difficult to use, making it hard to remove or replace them.
Innovation Solution
A modular strap system with magnetic attachment elements that provide symmetric or asymmetric attachment properties, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, adjustable length, and customizable configurations using magnetic patterns and mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical connections are used to attach straps to electronic devices, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the attachment and detachment process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems (buckles, clips, screws) with a magnetic connection system. The magnetic attachment element contains magnetic material that magnetically couples with the base unit, enabling secure attachment through magnetic attraction while allowing easy attachment and detachment by simply bringing the strap close to or removing it from the base unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical interlocking to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic field strength as the attachment parameter instead of mechanical engagement, the system achieves both secure holding force and easy release by overcoming the magnetic attraction through simple movement.
2Device complexity
If conventional fixed-length straps are used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different users and devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the strap into modular components: a flexible member with multiple attachment elements positioned at different locations, and a base unit with corresponding attachment features. This segmentation allows users to select different attachment element positions to achieve desired length adjustments while maintaining a simple overall strap structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustability to the strap system by allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the attachment elements relative to the base unit. Users can attach at different positions along the flexible member to change the effective length, transforming a static fixed-length strap into a dynamic adjustable system.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic attachment elements are used, then the ease of attachment and detachment improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional magnetic components and patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic attachment functionality directly into the strap structure by incorporating magnetic attachment elements onto the flexible member itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate magnetic components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining easy attachment and detachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the magnetic attachment system to serve multiple functions: providing secure attachment, enabling easy release, allowing length adjustment through multiple attachment positions, and potentially supporting different attachment orientations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
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
Enables easy and secure attachment of electronic devices with customizable fit and orientation, improving user convenience and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment element can include a magnetic element that provides a magnetic force to magnetically attach the attachment element to the separate device or to another attachment element on the flexible member
Implementation Method 2
The attachment element can include a ferrous material that provides a magnetic force to magnetically attach the attachment element to the separate device or to another attachment element on the flexible member
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6A~7B
Figure 8A~9B
AI summary
There is provided a modular strap family for electronic devices, the modular strap family comprising a first base unit comprising a first electronic component configured to perform a first set of functions, and a first enclosure housing the first electronic component and defining a first attachment coupling. The modular strap family also comprising a second base unit comprising a second electronic component configured to perform a second set of functions different from the first set of functions, and a second enclosure housing the second electronic component and defining a second attachment coupling, wherein the first enclosure and the second enclosure are different. The modular strap family further comprising a strap unit comprising a strap defining a third attachment coupling, wherein the first attachment coupling and the second attachment coupling are standardized such that, in a first configuration, the third attachment coupling couples the strap to the first attachment coupling; and in a second configuration, the third attachment coupling couples the strap to the second attachment coupling.