Shielded Magnetic Plug-in Lock with Transverse Magnetization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic plug-in locks face challenges in providing both effective magnetic shielding and pleasant haptic feedback during operation, as existing solutions either compromise on magnetic field containment or suffer from poor haptic experience due to magnetic interactions with shielding plates.
Innovation Solution
The magnetic plug-in lock design features a connector and connector receiving element with magnets polarized transversally to the closing direction, combined with ferromagnetic shielding plates that self-center the connector during insertion, ensuring efficient magnetic shielding and pleasant haptic feedback by minimizing magnetic attraction forces and preventing accidental adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If magneto-conductive plates are employed to prevent magnetic field lines from escaping, then magnetic shielding is improved, but the restoring force is lost and haptic feedback deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic plug-in lock is divided into two separate locking halves, each containing its own magnet. This segmentation allows each half to independently generate magnetic field lines that terminate on the other half, creating restoring forces without requiring continuous magneto-conductive shielding plates. The segmentation enables magnetic field containment while preserving haptic feedback through the natural magnetic attraction between the separated halves.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetization direction is changed from the closing direction (longitudinal) to a transverse direction perpendicular to the closing movement. This dimensional change in magnetization orientation allows the magnetic field lines to extend laterally between the locking halves, generating restoring forces during lateral opening movement while preventing field line escape in the closing direction, thus resolving the contradiction between shielding and haptic feedback.
2Strength
If magnets are arranged to provide strong magnetic attraction for secure locking, then locking strength is improved, but magnetic interference with sensitive instruments worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is localized between the two locking halves through transverse magnetization, where field lines extend laterally from one half to the other. This local concentration of magnetic flux provides strong locking strength at the interface while preventing field line escape in other directions, thereby reducing magnetic interference with external sensitive instruments while maintaining secure locking.
3Ease of operation
If the connector is moved laterally for opening, then opening haptics is improved, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic arrangement provides automatic restoring forces through the transverse magnetization of the separated locking halves. When the connector is moved laterally for opening, the magnetic field lines are stretched, generating automatic restoring forces that guide the opening movement and provide haptic feedback without requiring additional springs or mechanical restoring elements, thus avoiding increased mechanism complexity.
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 design achieves effective magnetic shielding while maintaining a pleasant haptic experience, allowing for easy and centered plugging without sticking issues, and can be enhanced with additional mechanical latching for secure closure and easy opening.
Implementation Method 1
the south pole of the connector magnet and the north pole of the connector receiving element magnet oppose each other in an attracting manner
Implementation Method 2
One or multiple shielding plates made of ferromagnetic material are furthermore part of the invention. These shielding plates cover as well as the connector magnets as well as the magnets for the connector receiving element
Implementation Method 3
The connector and the connector receiving element are designed such that the connector can be plugged into the front side of the connector receiving element... One or multiple shielding plates made of ferromagnetic material are furthermore part of the invention. These shielding plates cover as well as the connector magnets as well as the magnets for the connector receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A shielded magnetic plug-in lock, for which a connector is plugged into a connector receiving element and held therein by magnetic holding forces or additionally by means of mechanical engagement, is provided. The connector and the connector receiving element are designed in such a way that the connector magnet and the magnet for the connector receiving element are magnetized transversely to the closing direction X, and at least one shielding plate consisting of a ferro-magnetic material is provided on the plug or the plug receiving element. The shielding plate covers the connector magnet and the connector receiving element magnets, and the ferro-magnetic material and the thickness of the shielding plate are selected in such a way as to obtain a magnetic shielding sufficient for a pre-determined use.