Remote Control Housing Cover Magnetic Latching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote controls for multimedia devices face issues with cumbersome battery replacement, frequent material fatigue, and inadequate securing of the housing cover, leading to premature wear and potential breakage, especially in frequently used devices.

Innovation Solution

The housing cover is secured using permanent magnets with ferromagnetic counterparts, eliminating the need for complex guides or snap-in hooks, allowing for easy removal and reattachment without specific directional movements, and ensuring reliable long-term functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the housing cover is secured using screws or positive connections (guide rails, latching hooks), then the housing cover securely closes the battery compartment during normal operation, but the battery replacement becomes cumbersome and tedious, leading to frequent housing cover breaking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing cover securityVSAvoidbattery replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (screws, guide rails, latching hooks) with a magnetic field-based holding system. Permanent magnets are embedded in the housing to hold the ferromagnetic housing cover without mechanical fasteners, eliminating the complexity of mechanical connections while maintaining secure closure during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces ferromagnetic material as an intermediary between the permanent magnets in the housing and the housing cover. This ferromagnetic counterpart enables the magnetic holding force to effectively secure the housing cover without direct mechanical contact, resolving the contradiction between secure holding and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the housing cover is secured using screws or positive connections, then the housing cover is firmly attached, but material fatigue occurs after prolonged use, causing sliding guides or latching hooks to fail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing cover attachment reliabilityVSAvoidremote control lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical connection components (guide rails, latching hooks) that are subject to material fatigue and wear over time. By using permanent magnets to hold the housing cover, the system replaces fatigue-prone mechanical parts with magnets that do not degrade from repeated attachment/detachment cycles, significantly extending the remote control's operational life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the housing cover is held by permanent magnets without mechanical guides, then the housing cover can be easily removed and reattached, but the housing cover may not be positioned correctly during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing cover removal and attachment easeVSAvoidhousing cover positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates asymmetric design elements such as a projection on the housing cover that engages with a corresponding depression in the battery holder, and an annular groove on the ferromagnetic counterpart. These asymmetric features provide a unique orientation, ensuring the housing cover can only be attached in the correct position while maintaining the simplicity of magnetic attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This solution simplifies battery replacement, enhances durability by avoiding material fatigue, and provides intuitive operation with a secure and audible closure mechanism, reducing tool costs and extending the remote control's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

the housing cover (4) is held on the housing (1) by at least one permanent magnet (6, 7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a ferromagnetic counterpart (9, 10) is designed as a metal disk or metal ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2261936B1Remote control
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 FM MARKETING GMBH
  • EP2261936B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2261936B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2261936B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The device has a battery case arranged in an electronic housing (1), and a removable housing cover provided for closing the battery case. The housing cover is held at the housing by permanent magnets (6, 7). A ferromagnetic counter piece e.g. metal ring, attached to the permanent magnets is fastened to the housing cover. The permanent magnets are press-fitted into a battery retainer that is fastened to the housing. An edge of a cover plate is located in contact with a surface of a framework of the housing.