Magnetic Threaded Closure for Self-Locking Device Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for securing electronic devices to holding devices, such as dashboards, are not simple, inexpensive, or mechanically stable, requiring manual screwing and lacking self-locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic closure device with threaded attachment parts that automatically engage and screw together due to magnetic attraction, featuring a pitch that allows automatic rotation and a mechanical latching mechanism to prevent unintentional opening, utilizing conical and variable thread configurations for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual screwing is required to close the closure parts, then the attachment process becomes time-consuming and complex, but the mechanical engagement can be secure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical screwing operation with a magnetic field-based system. Magnetic elements in the attachment parts automatically attract and rotate the closure parts into engaged position, eliminating the need for manual twisting or screwing motions while maintaining secure mechanical engagement through the thread and engagement element interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device performs the engagement operation automatically through magnetic attraction between the closure parts. When brought into proximity, the magnetic elements self-generate the force and rotational motion needed to engage the thread and engagement element, requiring no external manual intervention beyond initial positioning.
2Reliability
If the thread engagement is self-locking, then the closure parts remain securely attached, but the automatic engagement process becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic thread geometry where the thread and engagement element features are designed to engage smoothly during rotation but lock automatically once engaged. The threaded portion and corresponding engagement element create a mechanical interlock that prevents reverse rotation, providing both automatic engagement and secure locking without requiring separate locking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic elements are added to enable automatic attachment, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the attractive force for automatic attachment, generate the rotational torque needed for engagement, and maintain pressure on the engaged components to ensure secure connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, offsetting the added complexity with consolidated functionality.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the closure parts require precise manual alignment for engagement, then the mechanical stability is ensured, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the magnetic field's ability to act over a distance and its non-contact nature to guide the closure parts into proper alignment. The magnetic attraction force begins acting before the parts are in precise contact, naturally drawing them into the correct relative positions and orientations needed for thread and engagement element alignment, thereby reducing manual alignment requirements while maintaining mechanical stability.
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 simple, cost-effective, and mechanically stable attachment process that automatically secures electronic devices, preventing unintentional opening through magnetic attraction and mechanical latching, ensuring secure and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic device is additionally provided in the closure device which, when attached, has a magnetically attractive effect between the first closure part and the second closure part
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a closure device (1) for securing an electronic device on a holding device, comprising a first closure part (2) having a first attaching part (21), and comprising second closure part (3) which has a second attaching part (31), and which can be attached onto the first closure part (2) in a closing direction (X), wherein at least one thread (211, 311) is arranged on one of the attaching parts (21, 31), and at least one engaging element (311, 211) is arranged on the other of the attaching parts (31, 21) for running onto the at least one thread (211, 311) when attaching the closure parts (2, 3) to one another. In addition, a magnet device (22, 33) is provided that acts in a magnetically attracting manner between the first closure part (2) and the second closure part (3) during the attaching process, wherein the at least one thread (211, 311) has a pitch (a), such that, when attaching the closure parts (2, 3) to one another, as a result of the magnetically attractive effect of the magnet device (22, 33), the at least one thread and the at least one engaging element (311, 211) run onto one another, and the closure elements (2, 3) are thereby automatically twisted in relation to one another in a rotational direction (D) about the closing direction (X).