Multi-position Strap Anchor with Magnetic Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strap anchors lack a mechanism to selectively move between accessible and stowed positions, potentially causing damage or unintended contact with other articles, and do not provide tactile feedback for secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A multi-position strap anchor with a frame and strap anchor that are slidably coupled, utilizing magnets and magnetized surfaces to bias the anchor between a retracted and exposed position, providing tactile feedback through magnetic attraction and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the strap anchor is always exposed for easy attachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of damage or unintended contact with other articles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap anchor is designed to be dynamically repositionable between an exposed configuration (where the attachment surface is accessible) and a stowed configuration (where the attachment surface is recessed or hidden). This allows the user to easily attach/detach straps when needed while protecting the anchor when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap anchor system is divided into separable components: the anchor itself, the attachment surface, and the retaining mechanism. This segmentation allows the anchor to be independently positioned and secured in different configurations, enabling both easy access and protected storage states.
2Ease of operation
If the strap anchor is always exposed for easy attachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but tactile feedback for secure attachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates magnetic attraction forces that provide tactile feedback to the user during attachment and positioning operations. When the attachment surface approaches the magnet, the increasing magnetic force gives the user sensory feedback that indicates proper alignment and secure attachment, enhancing reliability without compromising ease of use.
3Reliability
If a magnet is used to retain the strap anchor, then the reliability of secure attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical retention mechanisms (such as springs, latches, or screws) with a simple magnetic field-based retention system. The magnet provides secure attachment through magnetic attraction forces, eliminating the need for additional mechanical components while maintaining or improving reliability.
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 secure and accessible attachment to straps while minimizing risk of damage by allowing the anchor to be stowed when not in use, with tactile feedback indicating secure positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The strap anchor and the frame include magnets and magnetized surfaces that interact to bias the strap anchor in each position when the strap anchor moves between the first and second positions
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a multi-position strap anchor that is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the strap anchor may be less accessible to attach to a strap, and in the second position, the strap anchor may be more accessible to attach to a strap.