Magnetic Quick-Release Ski Strap Fastener with Curved Latching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arrangements for connecting a loop to a handle, such as those used in sports poles, do not effectively secure the loop in place, especially when wearing thicker gloves, and lack a simple one-handed operation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic quick-release fastener system with a resilient latching mechanism, where the male part with a magnet is inserted into the female part, utilizing curved locking ribs and grooves, and a geometric design to inhibit tangential forces, ensuring the loop remains attached during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a magnetic connection system is used to attach the loop to the handle, then the connection can be easily made and broken with one hand, but the connection may not be secure enough under tangential forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic forces with mechanical latching in a hybrid connection system. The magnet provides automatic attraction and holding force, while the latching projection with curved locking rib provides mechanical interlocking. This merging of two different connection mechanisms resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation (magnetic attraction) and reliability (mechanical locking).
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system uses a composite approach combining magnetic field interaction with mechanical structural elements. The female part contains a magnet while the male part contains an armature and latching mechanism. This composite design allows the system to benefit from both magnetic attraction (for easy operation) and mechanical interlocking (for secure connection under load).
2Reliability
If a resilient latching mechanism with curved locking ribs is used, then the connection can resist tangential forces, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses curved locking ribs and concave/convex curved surfaces in the latching mechanism. The resilient tongue has a curved locking rib that engages with a corresponding curved surface in the female part. This curvature allows the mechanism to resist tangential forces through geometric inhibition while maintaining a relatively simple structure that relies on shape rather than multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tongue with latching projection automatically engages with the female part when the male part is inserted. The magnetic attraction assists this engagement, and once engaged, the curved locking rib passively resists tangential forces without requiring active control or additional components. The system serves itself by combining passive geometric inhibition with active magnetic attraction.
3Productivity
If the latching projection is resilient and automatically engages, then the connection can be made quickly, but the detachment mechanism becomes less obvious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resilient (elastic) tongue that can dynamically change its state. During attachment, the tongue flexes to allow the latching projection to engage with the curved surface. During detachment, the same elasticity allows the tongue to be deflected to disengage the latching projection. This dynamic behavior enables both quick attachment and intentional detachment, resolving the contradiction between speed and operability.
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 securely attaches the loop to the handle using magnetic forces and mechanical blocking, allowing easy detachment with a curved displacement movement, maintaining hold even under tangential forces, and can be operated with one hand, including thicker gloves.
Implementation Method 1
the closing of the connection, ie the establishment of the locking connection, is supported by magnetic forces
Implementation Method 2
the tongue (15) is resilient and can be deflected in order to release the arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
An arrangement for securing a loop (35) to a handle (3) of a walking stick comprises a male part (21) and a female part (1). The male part (21) is inserted into the female part (1) and drawn into a position locked to the female part (1) by magnetic forces, wherein, in the locked position, spring-loaded locking projections (17) of the female part (1) engage in locking grooves (23) in the male part (21). To release the arrangement according to the invention, the male part (21) is displaced relative to the female part (1), the displacement movement occurring in particular along a curved path.