Joachim Fiedler, founder of Fidlock, on the idea that is revolutionising the fastener market.

Fasteners for bags, helmets & co. have been around for a long time – what is so special about Fidlock fasteners

We developed a completely new system that did not exist before the Fidlock Principle was developed: we found a way to intelligently combine the advantages of two tried-and-tested fastening concepts – those of a magnetic and a mechanical fastener. It wasn't simply a case of adding functionality; we successfully combined the individual advantages while, at the same time, excluding the disadvantages. It might look simple today, but it involved an exciting development process, which resulted in the Fidlock Principle with over 30 patent applications.

Firstly, the combination of a magnetic fastener with mechanical snap functionality: strong magnets make the fasteners easy to close and secure snap functionality ensures a continuously high locking force. And secondly, the opening and closing procedures differ from one another, which means they each function according to a different principle. This is an essential feature of Fidlock fasteners. The functionality of a traditional, mechanical fastener, for example, is always the same, just like a door: press the handle – open, close. This is not the case with the Fidlock Principle: magnets close it automatically, and the fastener snaps securely closed. The fastener is opened, however, by sliding, tilting or rotating it, depending on the model. But even these procedures can differ from fastener to fastener: if customers require stronger magnetic force, a faster closing procedure or easier opening, we can adapt the procedures – or even the entire fastener – to their individual needs.

That's exactly it. Fidlock fasteners aren't just easy to use, they're also a lot of fun! When users experience the principle for the first time, they are always pleasantly surprised – they simply enjoy playing with our system. In addition, our fasteners close automatically and can be opened with just one hand – even when wearing gloves. During sports activities – when opening or closing the fastener of your bicycle or skiing helmet, for example – this doesn't just mean added convenience, it also means additional safety and saves time. Fidlock therefore stands for function and fun. This is exactly the experience we want to create for users who operate our fasteners

As is often the case with inventions, the idea came about in a completely different context. I was touring around the globe as a professional musician and it wasn't just the carrying system of my cello case that proved itself impractical, the bow holder was also crying out to be improved. Driven by my inventive spirit, this gave rise to the idea of a completely new fastening system: I developed the first mechanical magnet fastener for a bow holder. This inspired me to make the system available to other users and industries.

Fidlock should be found wherever there are fasteners: on helmets, bags, jackets, belts, in the sporting and lifestyle sector and in the automotive and furniture industries. Expansion to further industries and application areas is particularly interesting for the development of further fastening concepts. Since the foundation of Fidlock, numerous companies have approached us about developing completely new product lines with the help of our innovative fastening concept – in the premium segment in particular, companies are on the lookout for impressive added value for their brand products. Our aim is for the unique Fidlock fastening experience to have a significant influence on end customers' purchase decision.