Modular magnetic support strip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic strip holders are of fixed length and require physical mounting on a surface, limiting their placement flexibility and inability to magnetically attach to ferromagnetic surfaces without additional hardware.
Innovation Solution
A modular magnetic strip holder composed of interconnected individual units with a magnet, ferromagnetic plate, and connector system allowing for customizable length and magnetic attachment to ferromagnetic surfaces, with optional mounting projections for non-ferromagnetic surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed length magnetic strip holder is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different locations and sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic strip holder is divided into multiple modular units that can be connected in series. Each unit contains a magnet, ferromagnetic plate, and connector components, allowing the holder to be assembled in different configurations to fit various locations and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple individual unit structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with universal compatibility to join multiple units together in different arrangements. The same basic unit design serves multiple functions depending on how many units are connected and how they are arranged, providing adaptability without requiring completely different designs for each application
2Adaptability or versatility
If a backing bar with screws is used for mounting, then the attachment is secure, but the placement flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A ferromagnetic plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the magnet and the mounting surface. This plate enables magnetic attachment to ferromagnetic surfaces, providing both secure attachment and placement flexibility on various surfaces without requiring screw holes in the magnetic component itself
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical mounting on a wall is required, then the holder is stable, but the ability to attach to ferromagnetic surfaces magnetically is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ferromagnetic plate enables the holder to attach to ferromagnetic surfaces using its own magnetic field without requiring external mounting hardware like screws or adhesive. The system serves itself by using the magnetic attraction between the magnet and the ferromagnetic plate to provide both attachment and stability
4Ease of operation
If a fixed length holder is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ease of operation for different tool collections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the holder into standardized modular units, the manufacturing process remains simple for each individual unit while allowing flexible assembly for different tool collections. Each unit can be manufactured using the same processes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The holder system transitions from a fixed static design to a dynamic configurable system where units can be added or removed based on the specific tool collection needs, making the holder adaptable to different operational requirements while using standardized 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 flexible placement and secure attachment to ferromagnetic surfaces without screws, while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of units to accommodate various lengths and types of tools and utensils.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet disposed within the housing, the magnet having a front surface, a back surface, and end surfaces
Implementation Method 2
A ferromagnetic plate disposed along the back surface of the magnet and within the housing
Implementation Method 3
the inter-connector comprises a second ferromagnetic plate attached to one end of the magnet of a first magnetic holder unit for attraction to the opposite end of an adjacent magnetic holder unit
Data Source
AI summary
A modular magnetic strip holder 10 is assembled from a plurality of individual magnetic holder units 12 into an elongated strip holder configuration for securely holding various types of tools, utensils and other items. Various configurations of connectors may be utilized to assemble together in end-to-end relationship any number of individual magnetic holder units 12 so as to form an elongated strip holder of a desired length, while also enabling the magnetic strip holder 10 to be disassembled if desired.