Pivotable Magnetic Band Members for One-Handed, Hands-Free Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable bands, such as watchbands, require complex manipulation for one-handed or hands-free operation, making them difficult for individuals with disabilities, the very young, or the elderly, and are often delicate and not suitable for physical activities.
Innovation Solution
A band utilizing bistable magnetic actuators with three pivotable members, incorporating permanent magnets to achieve biased-open and biased-closed configurations, allowing for simple one-handed or hands-free operation by leveraging magnetic forces to transition between stable positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional clasp mechanisms (buckle, tether, hook-and-loop) are used, then the band can be opened and closed, but the operation becomes complicated and difficult for one-handed or hands-free use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical clasp mechanisms (buckles, tethers, hook-and-loop fasteners) with a magnetic actuation system. Permanent magnets embedded in the band members create magnetic forces that automatically open and close the band without requiring manual manipulation of complex mechanical components. The magnetic force substitutes for the mechanical interlocking actions of conventional clasps.
Solution Approach 2:
The band is designed to automatically open and close itself through magnetic forces generated by permanent magnets. When the band is placed on the body, the magnetic attraction between opposite poles automatically draws the band members together to close the band. When removed, magnetic repulsion between like poles automatically opens the band, eliminating the need for user manipulation.
2Extent of automation
If traditional magnetic closure mechanisms are used, then one-handed operation is possible, but hands-free automatic operation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses permanent magnets to generate automatic magnetic forces that replace manual closing actions. The magnetic field creates attractive forces between opposite poles that automatically pull the band members together when placed on the body, achieving hands-free automatic closing without requiring the user to manually engage a magnetic clasp.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnets are pre-positioned within the band members during manufacturing, with their polarity oriented to create automatic opening and closing forces. This preliminary arrangement of magnetic poles ensures that when the band is placed on the body, the pre-configured magnetic forces immediately act to close the band without requiring user activation.
3Reliability
If conventional band structures are used, then mechanical retention is achieved, but the band becomes delicate and not suitable for physical activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining flexible band members with embedded permanent magnets. The band members can be made from durable, flexible materials that can withstand physical stress, while the integrated magnetic components provide the closing force. This composite approach combines the flexibility and durability of the band material with the functional properties of the magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural function of the band with the actuation function of the magnets into a single integrated system. The permanent magnets are embedded within the band members themselves, combining the mechanical structure and the magnetic actuation mechanism into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate delicate mechanical clasp assemblies.
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 easy, hands-free assembly around a body part with minimal wearer input, providing a durable and efficient mechanism for securing wearable devices without the need for complex manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
These arrangements gain their bistable behavior from the energy created by permanent magnets and their acting to attract or repel one another depending on the relative positioning between the two
Data Source
AI summary
A band configured to wrap around and be secured to an object includes at least three members pivotably connected to one another so as to be pivotable between an open position and a closed position, the first member including an outwardly disposed face defining an imaginary plane and each of the second and third members including an actuator prong that extends outwardly beyond the imaginary plane when in the open position and that is retracted to no longer extend outwardly beyond the imaginary plane when in the closed position. Movement of the object into contact with the first member so as to exert actuation forces toward the outwardly disposed face when the actuator prongs are in contact with a surface causes the second and third members to move from the open position to the closed position due to forces created between the actuator prongs and the surface.