Offset-Locking Magnetic Fastener With Recessed Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic fasteners lack the ability to lock materials together when the central axes of their fastening portions are offset, limiting their functionality in securing articles like handbags or other items.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic fastener design featuring a first pin with a channel and a second pin with a projection, where the channel includes a recess, allowing the pins to magnetically couple and lock when their central axes are offset, preventing removal by abutment within the recess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional magnetic fasteners are used, then materials can be attached together, but they cannot lock when central axes are offset
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening portions incorporate asymmetric geometric features including a channel with a recess in the first pin and a corresponding projection on the second pin. These asymmetric features enable the fasteners to lock together when central axes are offset, transforming the symmetric cylindrical design into an asymmetric locking mechanism that provides both alignment tolerance and reliable locking capability
2Device complexity
If magnetic attraction alone is used, then fastening is simple, but locking mechanism is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges magnetic attraction with mechanical interlocking features. The magnetic ring provides continuous attractive force while the recess and projection features provide mechanical locking when offset. This combination integrates two different locking mechanisms (magnetic and mechanical) into a single unified fastening system, achieving both simplicity and reliability
3Reliability
If alignment is required for fastening, then locking is secure, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from a static alignment requirement to a dynamic offset-locking mechanism. The recess and projection features are designed to engage automatically when the fasteners are brought together, regardless of initial alignment. This dynamic engagement allows the fasteners to self-align and lock during the fastening process, improving ease of operation while maintaining security
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 locking and unlocking of materials by aligning or offsetting the central axes of the fastening portions, enhancing the fastening functionality for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the first and second fastening portions are configured to magnetically couple the first and second materials
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the first pin is formed from a ferromagnetic material
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to magnetic fasteners capable of transitioning between a locked state and an unlocked state. In some embodiments, the magnetic fastener includes a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion configured to interface with one another. The first fastening portion may include a first pin with a channel configured to receive a second pin disposed on the second fastening portion. The channel may include a recess and the second pin may include a projection complementary to the recess such that the projection may be disposed within the recess when the respective central axes of the first and second fastening portions are offset. Thus, a portion of the recess may abut the projection when the respective central axes of the first and second fastening portions are offset, thus locking the first and second fastening portions relative to one another. Conversely, when the respective central axes of the first and second fastening portions are aligned, the projection may not be disposed within the recess, and accordingly, the first and second fastening portions may be capable of being unfastened from one another.