Winged Insert Assembly for Secure Magnetic Board Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic attachment systems for trim and decking boards are cumbersome to install, require excessive metal usage, and may not prevent unauthorized removal, especially for long boards and outdoor applications.

Innovation Solution

A winged insert with U- or V-shaped wings is used to secure magnets within a slot, featuring a spacer to facilitate easy installation and prevent removal, combined with alignment holes or pins for precise positioning, and locking clips for added security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive methods are used to fix magnetic conductors to the board, then the magnetic attachment is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and metal is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic attachment reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the adhesive bonding system with a mechanical interference fit system. The winged insert features wings that engage with the slot walls through friction and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for adhesives. This mechanical system achieves reliable magnetic conductor attachment while simplifying manufacturing, as the insert can be pressed into the slot without chemical bonding agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic attachment system is divided into separate functional components: the winged insert (providing mechanical retention) and the magnetic conductor (providing magnetic attraction). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing, as the insert can be produced separately and then installed into the slot to hold the magnetic conductor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple separate magnetic conductors are inserted into dovetail-shaped slots on long boards, then magnetic attachment is achieved, but the installation process becomes inconvenient and slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic attachment reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mechanical retention function and the magnetic conductor into a single integrated assembly. The winged insert is designed to accommodate the magnetic conductor within its structure, allowing both functions to be installed simultaneously as one unit. This eliminates the need to separately insert and position multiple magnetic conductors along the slot, dramatically speeding up installation while maintaining reliable magnetic attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If standard magnetic assemblies are used for decking applications, then easy removal is achieved, but unauthorized removal by vandals cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboard removal easeVSAvoidanti-vandal security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different local qualities to different regions of the winged insert. The wings are designed with specific geometric features that provide controlled resistance to removal forces. The insert can be removed by applying sufficient force in the correct direction (allowing legitimate maintenance), but resists removal attempts from unauthorized users who lack the proper tools or knowledge. This creates a security threshold while preserving ease of operation for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances installation speed and security by ensuring magnets remain in place, allowing easy installation and preventing unauthorized removal, while minimizing material waste and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The magnet and magnetic conductor in combination possess an attractive magnetic property

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250361730A1Winged insert for attaching to slot of board and plurality of board mounting methods thereof

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 KLEIN MATTHEW PETER

AI summary

A winged insert holds a magnet and includes a flat base having two sides with wings that have U-shape or V-shape. Each side's wing extends off the side of the base in a first direction and then curves back at an outward-facing angle. The wings act similar to barbs or arrow heads to allow the insert to be inserted into a slot on a trim or decking board while preventing the insert from being removed from the slot after insertion. The winged insert may include alignment holes or pins for positioning a removable spacer adjacent the winged insert. The spacer may include a tray or other sidewalls on an opposite side for holding a magnetic conductor. For trim applications, the conductor may be affixed to a wall during an installation process before removing the spacer. For flooring applications, the conductor may be a top metal surface of a joist clip.