Rotating Locking Element for Secure Closure Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure devices lack variability and reliability in connecting closure parts, often relying on spring locking elements or hook mechanisms that may not provide a secure or flexible connection.

Innovation Solution

A closure device with a connecting element that can be rotated relative to the second body, using magnetic interaction to support the closure process, allowing for adjustable engagement and secure locking of the closure parts through a rotational position change, enabling both manual and automatic locking mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spring locking elements or hook mechanisms are used to connect closure parts, then the closure device can achieve a locking function, but the connection lacks reliability and security

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed to be rotatable relative to the second body, transitioning from a first rotational position (for engagement) to a second rotational position (for locking). This dynamic movement allows the connecting element to securely engage with the engagement device and then lock in place, providing a reliable connection that overcomes the limitations of static spring locking elements or hook mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If engagement elements are extended to engage with spring locking elements, then the closure parts can be connected, but the closure device lacks versatility and adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure device versatilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element serves multiple functions: it can be rotated to engage with the engagement device, lock in the engaged position, and potentially be manually or automatically actuated. This multi-functional design enhances the versatility of the closure device, allowing it to adapt to different closing scenarios while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive rotational movement.

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

3Ease of operation

If magnetic devices are used to assist closing, then the closure process is aided, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing easeVSAvoidmagnetic assistance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic devices act as an intermediary force that assists the closing process by magnetically attracting the first and second closure parts together. This magnetic assistance guides the closure parts into their closed position, after which the rotatable connecting element secures the connection. The magnetic field serves as a helpful intermediary that simplifies the closing action without requiring complex mechanical assistance mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a versatile and reliable connection between closure parts, ensuring secure locking and easy detachment, with adjustable magnetic support for various applications, enhancing the reliability and usability of the closure device.

Implementation Method 1

The first magnetic device and the second magnetic device are designed to interact in a magnetically attractive manner when the first closure part and the second closure part approach each other, in order to thereby magnetically assist the closing of the closure device.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4390021A1Locking device with an adjustable connecting element
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 FIDLOCK GMBH
  • EP4390021A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4390021A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4390021A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

A locking device (1) comprises a first locking part (2) having a first body (20), an engagement device arranged on the first body (20), and a first magnetic device (22), and a second locking part (3) having a second body (30), a connecting element (34) movably arranged on the second body (30), and a second magnetic device (32). To close the locking device (1), the first locking part (2) and the second locking part (3) can be brought close together along a closing direction (X). In a closed position, the first locking part (2) and the second locking part (3) are locked together by the connecting element (34).It is provided that the connecting element (34) is rotatable about a rotation axis (D) pointing along the closing direction (X) relative to the second body (30), wherein the connecting element (34) can be attached to the engagement device in a first rotational position to close the locking device (1) and, after being attached, can be moved from the first rotational position to a second rotational position different from the first rotational position, so that in the closed position the second locking part (3) is locked by the connecting element (34) in the second rotational position relative to the first locking part (2).