Rotatable Multipole Magnetic Fastener for Adjustable Holding Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening technologies, such as magnetic and Velcro® fasteners, require significant force to separate and lack versatility in applications, particularly for materials like plastic and wood.
Innovation Solution
A novel magnetic fastener utilizing rotatable multipole magnets with striped patterns of alternating north and south poles, allowing for adjustable holding force by aligning poles lengthwise for strong attachment and orthogonally for easy separation, utilizing a Halbach array to shield external electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strong magnetic force is used for secure closure, then holding force is improved, but ease of opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet orientation is made dynamic and adjustable. The fastening member includes a rotatable magnet assembly that can be rotated between a first orientation (providing strong holding force for secure closure) and a second orientation (providing reduced magnetic force for easy opening). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to switch between strong attachment and easy separation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic force parameter is changed by altering the relative orientation of magnetic poles. When magnets are oriented with opposite poles facing each other, strong attraction provides secure closure. When rotated to align like poles facing each other, repulsion or reduced attraction enables easy opening. This parameter change through rotation resolves the contradiction between strong holding force and ease of opening.
2Ease of operation
If rotatable magnet mechanism is added for adjustable holding force, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is merged with the magnet assembly itself. The magnet is integrated into a rotatable component that is part of the fastening member's housing or structure. This combining of the magnet and rotation mechanism into a single integrated assembly reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate rotation and magnet components.
Solution Approach 2:
The user directly rotates the magnet assembly to switch between latched and unlatched states. The system serves itself by allowing direct user manipulation of the magnet orientation without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains simplicity while providing adjustable holding force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multipole magnets with striped patterns are used for versatile applications, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening member uses an asymmetric multipole magnet arrangement with a specific number of north and south poles (e.g., three north poles and two south poles). This asymmetric configuration creates distinct magnetic field patterns that provide versatile fastening characteristics for different materials and applications. The asymmetric design allows adaptation to various fastening scenarios while the standardized multipole pattern simplifies manufacturing compared to custom magnet designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet is divided into multiple discrete poles arranged in a striped pattern around the circumference. This segmentation into multiple north and south poles creates a modular magnetic field structure that can be manufactured using standardized techniques. The segmented pole design provides versatility for different applications while allowing for precise manufacturing through repeated modular patterns rather than custom continuous field shapes.
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 operation and adjustable holding force, facilitating secure closure and effortless opening, with enhanced magnetic shielding and versatility across various materials.
Implementation Method 1
Each multipole magnet includes a striped pattern of alternating north and south poles having about the same pole spacing or pitch. When the striped patterns of alternating polarity are oriented lengthwise, the stripes of the south poles can judiciously align with the stripes of the north poles from the other magnet, and vice-a-versa, creating a strong magnetic force between them to form a fastener.
Implementation Method 2
Each multipole magnet may employ a Halbach array, wherein the alternating polarity has a spatially rotating pattern such that the magnetic field on one side is strong, and weak on the opposing side. The multipole magnets are oriented so that the 'strong side' face toward each other so as to shield any possible external electronics.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel magnetic fastener is realized that utilizes a pair of multipole magnets rotatable relative to each other, allowing the holding force to be selected for ease of operation, namely closing and opening. Each multipole magnet includes a striped pattern of alternating polarity (north and south poles), with the striped patterns having the same pole spacing or pitch. When the stripes of alternating north and south poles are oriented lengthwise, the stripes of the south poles can judiciously align with the stripes of the north poles from the other magnet, creating a strong magnetic force between them to form a fastener. However, when the striped pattern of alternating north and south poles are oriented substantially orthogonal, the stripes are mutually being alternating attracted and repelled, allowing the magnets to be easily separated to effect opening.