Magnetic Turn-Lock Connector for Low-Torque Secure Latching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional turn-lock fasteners require significant torque for fastening and unfastening, are often too large for small applications, and necessitate tools and specific user training, which is undesirable in applications requiring quick and easy attachment and detachment.

Innovation Solution

A magnetically latching connector using cylindrical magnets to provide an over-center effect, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without tools or specific training, and reducing the size and complexity of the fastener.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional turn-lock fasteners are used, then reliable latching is achieved, but significant torque is required for fastening and unfastening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching reliabilityVSAvoidtorque required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical over-center latching mechanism with a magnetic field-based latching system. Magnets embedded in the connector housing provide automatic latching through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for high torque mechanical cam locks while maintaining reliable connection security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical torque to magnetic field interaction. By using magnetic strength as the latching force instead of mechanical leverage, the system achieves reliable latching with minimal applied force, directly resolving the torque requirement issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional turn-lock fasteners are used, then secure connection is achieved, but the fastener size becomes too large for small applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidfastener size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the bulky mechanical over-center latching mechanism with compact magnets, the patent achieves secure connection in a significantly smaller form factor. The magnetic latching system requires minimal space while providing reliable connection security, making it suitable for small applications where traditional fasteners would be too large.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional turn-lock fasteners are used, then latching function is achieved, but tools and specific user training are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching functionVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic latching system replaces complex mechanical operation with simple magnetic attraction and release. Users only need to push connectors together for automatic magnetic latching, or pull apart for release, eliminating the need for tools and specialized training while maintaining reliable latching function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic connector performs automatic latching through magnetic attraction when brought together, without requiring user intervention or tool operation. The system serves itself by automatically securing the connection, greatly simplifying user operation while ensuring reliable latching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If magnetic latching is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of the magnetic system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment and detachment easeVSAvoidmagnetic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential magnetic latching function without incorporating complex magnetic mechanisms. By using simple embedded magnets rather than complex magnetic assemblies, the system achieves ease of operation while minimizing added complexity, balancing user convenience with system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 magnetically latching connector provides improved tactility, reduced rattle, enhanced impact survival, better water and dust protection, simplified user operation, lower space utilization, and cost reduction while maintaining a compact size.

Implementation Method 1

The latched configuration aligns opposing poles of the recess magnet and the protrusion magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The unlatched configuration misaligns the opposing poles of the recess magnet and the protrusion magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12531360B2Magnetically latching connector

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The presently disclosed technology adopts magnets to provide an over-centre effect to a turn-lock fastener. This can provide smoother fastening/unfastening action and a simplified design to achieve a similar over-centre effect to traditional turn-lock fasteners. Further, a turn-lock connector may be made by incorporating aspects of a turn-lock fastener into matching second and first connector parts that may be selectively latched and unlatched from one another. By creating a magnetic biasing feature within a turn-lock connector, a unique and technically advantageous magnetically latching connector is created.