Rotating Closure Element with Magnetic Attraction for High Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure devices for applications like child seats and strollers lack ease of operation, high load capacity, and reliable engagement mechanisms, especially in scenarios involving high loading forces such as crashes.

Innovation Solution

A closure device featuring a first closure part with rotatable closure elements and a second closure part that engages via locking sections, where an actuating element allows for easy rotation of the closure elements to disengage locking sections, and incorporates magnetic elements for enhanced attachment and release, along with a blocking element for secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If magnetic means are used to pull closure parts into engagement and hold them together, then ease of closing is improved, but reliability under high load forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of closingVSAvoidreliability under high load
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device is divided into two independent engagement mechanisms: magnetic means for ease of closing and mechanical locking sections for reliability under load. The magnetic elements (first and second magnetic elements) handle the attraction and initial engagement, while the mechanically engaged locking sections (first and second locking sections) provide secure holding under high load forces, preventing the closure parts from separating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines magnetic attraction and mechanical locking in a single closure device. The magnetic means and mechanical locking sections work together synergistically: the magnetic force facilitates easy closing by pulling the parts together, while the mechanical locking sections engage to maintain reliability under high load conditions, achieving both ease of operation and high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If mechanical locking sections are used to secure closure parts, then reliability under load is improved, but ease of opening deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability under high loadVSAvoidease of opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic elements serve as intermediaries to facilitate the opening operation. When opening the closure device, the magnetic attraction is overcome by applying force to the closure elements, which rotate to disengage the locking sections. The magnetic means, while maintaining holding force during normal operation, can be easily overcome during intentional opening, providing both reliability and ease of opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure elements are designed to be rotatable relative to the main body, transforming the static mechanical locking into a dynamic system. The locking sections engage firmly during normal operation but can be easily disengaged by rotating the closure elements, allowing the device to switch between locked and unlocked states smoothly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If multiple closure elements are used for multi-point attachment, then load capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure elements are designed with universal functionality, where each closure element can independently engage with corresponding locking sections while being controlled by a single actuating element. This allows multiple closure elements to work together for multi-point attachment, increasing load capacity without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same design pattern is repeated across multiple elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device provides easy operation, high load capacity, and reliable engagement, ensuring the closure remains secure under load while allowing for simple opening, even under high loading conditions.

Implementation Method 1

incorporates magnetic elements for enhanced attachment and release

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4023095B1Closure device with closure parts which can be connected to each other
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 FIDLOCK GMBH
  • EP4023095B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4023095B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4023095B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A locking device (1) comprises a first locking part (2) having a base body (20) and at least one locking element (22) rotatably arranged on the base body (20) about an axis of rotation (D), wherein the at least one locking element (22) has a base body (220) and at least one first locking section (222, 22A, 222A, 223, 223A, 223B) arranged on the base body (220), and at least one second locking part (3) having a base element (30) and at least one second locking section (302, 303) arranged on the base element (30). The first locking part (2) and the at least one second locking part (3) are to be attached to one another along an attachment direction (A), wherein the first locking part (2) and the at least one second locking part (3) are attached to one another in a closed position such that the at least one first locking section (222, 222A, 222B, 223, 223A,223B) of the at least one locking element (22) and the at least one second locking section (302, 303) of the at least one second locking part (3) are engaged with each other and, in order to release the first locking part (2) and the at least one second locking part (3) from each other, the at least one first locking section (222, 222A, 222B, 223, 223A, 223B) of the at least one locking element (22) and the at least one second locking section (302, 303) of the at least one second locking part (3) can be disengaged from each other by rotating the at least one locking element (22) towards the base body (20) of the first locking part (2),