Transverse Magnetic Fastener for Secure Closure and Easy Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic fasteners require users to pull against the magnetic force to decouple, which can be cumbersome and lacks intuitive feedback, and they often rely on mechanical interlocks or friction for secure closure.
Innovation Solution
A transverse magnetic fastener design featuring a base, ring, and button where the button moves perpendicularly to the magnetic polarization direction, using ring magnets to attract the button magnet and secure closure, allowing for easy decoupling by depressing the button or applying axial force, with tactile feedback indicating full depression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional magnetic fasteners use magnetic field to attract two pieces together, then secure closure is achieved, but users must pull against the magnetic force to decouple which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate components: a button component with a button magnet and a ring component with ring magnets. The button moves independently from the base in a direction transverse to the magnetic polarization, allowing it to be received within the ring aperture for secure closure while enabling easy decoupling by depressing the button to disengage it from the magnetic field.
Solution Approach 2:
The button motion is oriented in a direction transverse (perpendicular) to the magnetic polarization direction of the ring magnets. This dimensional change allows the button to move into the ring aperture for secure closure while enabling easy decoupling by depressing the button along its axis, rather than requiring pulling against the magnetic force.
2Strength
If conventional magnetic fasteners rely on mechanical interlocks or friction, then secure closure is achieved, but they lack intuitive feedback and require harsh clicking or snapping sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener provides tactile feedback through the magnetic interaction between the button magnet and ring magnets. When the button is depressed and received within the ring aperture, the magnetic attraction creates a pleasant haptic feedback that intuitively indicates full depression and secure closure, eliminating the need for harsh clicking or snapping sounds.
3Force
If the button moves parallel to the magnetic field direction, then magnetic attraction is maximized, but the fastener lacks stability against lateral forces
Solution Approach 1:
The button motion is oriented in a direction transverse (perpendicular) to the magnetic polarization direction of the ring magnets. This dimensional change allows the button to move into the ring aperture for secure closure while the transverse orientation provides inherent stability against lateral forces, as the magnetic attraction acts perpendicular to the button's movement direction.
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 fastener provides secure closure resistant to lateral forces and easy decoupling with pleasant haptic feedback, reducing the force needed to open and maintaining stability without harsh clicking or snapping, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the button is moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by a magnetic field; the magnetic field attracts the button magnet when the base abuts the ring
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein take the form of a fastener, such as a button, clasp, or the like, that magnetically attracts a button to an enclosure, thereby securely closing the fastener. In one example embodiment, the fastener includes a base and a ring. The ring defines an aperture and the base includes a button. The button can move perpendicularly to a surface of the base that abuts or otherwise engages the ring. The ring includes multiple magnets typically positioned within a body of the ring and, generally, at opposing positions along a circumference or perimeter of the ring. Similarly, a magnet is positioned within the button. As the ring approaches the base, the ring magnets attract the button magnet, drawing it into the ring and closing or securing the fastener. The button moves transversely to the polarization direction of the ring magnets (and button magnet) as the button extends.