Mechanical-Magnetic Connection With Lateral Displacement Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical-magnetic connection designs fail to simultaneously meet requirements of mechanical locking, easy opening, and pleasant feel, particularly in applications requiring high security and durability like backpacks for mountaineers.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical-magnetic connection structure featuring a spring locking element and a movable locking piece, combined with a magnet-armature construction that allows the connection to automatically close due to magnetic force while being easily opened by weakening the magnetic attraction, allowing the spring locking element to snap into a disengaged position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a mechanical locking construction with spring locking element and locking piece is used, then the connection strength and stability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because a locking spring force must be overcome manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring force with magnetic force to achieve the locking function. The magnetic connection construction uses magnetic attraction between magnet and armature to provide the locking force, eliminating the need for mechanical springs and making the closing operation easier while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter from mechanical force (spring) to magnetic force (magnetic field). By using magnetic attraction instead of mechanical spring force, the system achieves both strong connection and easy operation through parameter transformation.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic force is used directly to prevent opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection strength deteriorates because the magnet and armature must be oversized to meet security requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical locking (spring locking element with locking piece) and magnetic holding (magnet with armature) into a single hybrid system. The mechanical component provides the necessary strength and security, while the magnetic component provides easy operation and pleasant haptics, achieving both requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite connection system combining two different mechanisms (mechanical and magnetic) into one unified structure. This composite approach allows the system to exhibit both the strength of mechanical locking and the ease of operation of magnetic attraction.
3Strength
If magnets are used in addition to mechanical locking to hold the connection together, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the closure becomes more difficult to open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking and opening functions into different components. The mechanical spring locking element handles the locking function and provides strength, while the magnetic component handles the holding function during normal use. The mechanical component can be easily disengaged by moving the locking piece, providing easy opening despite the presence of magnetic force.
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 connection provides a strong, secure mechanical lock with a soft and pleasant opening feel, ensuring high stability and ease of use even under load, addressing the limitations of prior designs by integrating both mechanical and magnetic elements effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The spring locking element is designed in such a way that it is urged against the locking piece when the connecting structure is closed... the spring latch member deflects in a design direction and snaps into the latch piece
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic force between the armature and the magnet is chosen so large that during the closing process the connection modules are pulled towards one another from a predetermined minimum distance
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c'
Figure 1d~1f
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanical-magnetic connection structure for connecting two elements, to each of which a connection module (1, 2) can be attached, wherein the connection modules (1, 2) have the following features: a locking device with at least one spring locking element (9) arranged in one of the connection modules (1, 2) and a movable locking piece (5) for positive locking of the connection modules (1, 2), which is arranged in the other of the connection modules (1, 2); a magnet-armature structure with at least one magnet (4) arranged in one of the connection modules (1, 2) and at least one armature (8) arranged in the other of the connection modules (1, 2), wherein the locking device and the magnet-armature structure are operatively connected by the following features. According to the invention, it is provided that a.a. the magnet (4) and the armature (8) are laterally displaceable relative to each other and are designed such that the magnetic force weakens as the magnet (4) and the armature (8) are displaced relative to each other; b. the magnet (4) or the armature (8) is coupled to the locking piece (5) via a coupling device (7) so that, in the event of a lateral displacement between the magnet (4) and the armature (8), the locking piece (5) can be moved from an engagement position, in which the spring locking element (9) is engaged with the locking piece (5), to a non-engagement position, in which the spring locking element (9) is no longer engaged with the locking piece (5); c.The magnetic force is designed such that, during a closing process of the connecting structure, the connecting modules (1, 2) are pulled towards each other from a predetermined minimum distance, causing the spring locking element (9) to press against the locking piece (5) until it snaps into engagement, and during an opening process of the connecting structure, after reaching the non-engagement position between the locking piece (5) and the spring locking element (9), the magnetic force is sufficiently weakened to separate the connecting modules (1, 2).