Removable Magnetic Closure for Garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems for clothing and accessories are inconvenient, especially for disabled, blind, elderly, and pregnant individuals, as they require mechanical manipulation, are heavy, aesthetically unpleasing, and difficult to clean, with issues like jamming, lint accumulation, and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, removable magnetic closure system consisting of a fixed pocket and two or more magnetic strips, allowing secure closure without physical manipulation, easy insertion and removal, and compatibility with various materials, enabling washing, drying, and ironing without magnetic attachment, while being lightweight and aesthetically invisible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional closure devices (buttons, snaps, hooks) are used, then closure function is achieved, but mechanical manipulation is required which creates inconvenience for disabled, blind, elderly, and pregnant people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical manipulation systems (buttons, snaps, hooks) with a magnetic field-based closure system. The magnetic strips create automatic attraction forces that close the garment without requiring mechanical manipulation, thereby improving ease of operation and adaptability to users with limited dexterity or vision.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic closure system operates autonomously through magnetic attraction forces that automatically pull the magnetic strips together to close the garment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user manipulation, making it accessible to disabled, blind, elderly, and pregnant individuals who would otherwise struggle with traditional closures.
2Reliability
If magnetic closure devices are permanently attached to clothing, then closure function is achieved, but weight increases and structure is altered making clothing heavy and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic closure system is divided into separate magnetic strips that can be independently attached to different parts of the garment. This segmentation allows for reliable closure function while minimizing weight by using only the necessary magnetic components rather than a permanent heavy attachment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic strips are constructed with flexible, thin-film characteristics that allow them to conform to the garment structure without adding significant weight or altering the aesthetic appearance. The flexible nature enables reliable closure while maintaining the lightweight and aesthetically pleasing properties of the original garment.
3Reliability
If magnetic closure devices are permanently attached to clothing, then closure function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the closure system into separate magnetic strips that can be independently manufactured and then assembled, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process. This modular approach reduces complexity compared to permanently integrating magnetic components into the garment structure, while still achieving reliable closure function.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic strips serve multiple functions: they provide closure, can be removed for washing, and can be repositioned as needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for complex permanent attachments and specialized manufacturing processes, thereby simplifying production while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If magnetic closure devices are permanently attached to clothing, then closure function is achieved, but washing and drying becomes difficult due to magnetic attachment to drum and iron
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic closure system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment. The magnetic strips can be easily removed from the garment during washing and drying, preventing magnetic attachment to the drum and iron, while still providing reliable closure when attached to the garment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic strips can be extracted or removed from the garment during cleaning processes. This extraction capability prevents the magnetic components from causing issues with washing machine drums and irons, while allowing the closure system to be reattached after cleaning to maintain its reliable closure function.
5Ease of operation
If traditional closure devices are used, then closure function is achieved, but gaps or openings remain between parts causing unpleasant effects for overweight or undersized people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical closure devices with a magnetic field-based system that provides more precise and uniform closure. The magnetic attraction forces can be adjusted to create a tighter, more precise fit that eliminates gaps and openings, thereby improving shape and fit precision for overweight or undersized individuals while maintaining ease of operation.
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
The system provides easy, secure closure for diverse applications without altering the garment's structure, allowing for efficient cleaning and standardization, reducing production and sales costs, and enhancing user comfort and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The force of magnetic attraction between said Magnetic strips guaranties secure closing of the article
Data Source
Figure 1~1(c)
Figure 2~2(c)
Figure 3~3(d)
AI summary
Magnetic Removable Closure System relates to all purpose closure system which is particularly designed and intended for use in clothing, underclothing, leather goods, shoes, any accessories and any other field of application. The present closure system permits to join. securely different components by attractive action of the magnets. It consists of three separate components, as follows: Fixed part, composed of at least one pocket (1) incorporated into the article(s) or fixed on the surface of the garment; Movable part, composed of two or more flexible removable magnetic strips (10); Magnet or magnetic attractable member (25), which helps to insert or slide the magnetic strip (10) into the pocket (1).