There is a series with the letter "m" in the goggles of anon. m is an abbreviation for "Magna-Tech".As the name implies, it is a goggle that uses the power of a magnet.
In conventional lens exchange systems, physical mechanisms such as levers and claws have been adopted.But anon. didn't like it.A futuristic system that allows you to attach a lens in an instant using a magnet.Where did this technology come from?What kind of difficulties did you have before development?And where is the aim of "Magna-Tech"?I asked all the questions to the anon. Development team in the United States.
"Magna-Tech" that fits comfortably from a distance
Currently, "Magna-Tech" is used in the spherical lens m2, its female model WM1, and the flat lens m3.Both are equipped with strong magnets using rare earth minerals on the goggle lens and frame.If you bring the lens closer to the frame, you will feel it pulled strongly from a distance of about XNUMX cm.If you let go of it, the lens will automatically fit in the desired position with a nice wearing sound.The lens installation is completed comfortably without the need for any tips.Moreover, even the lock after mounting is unnecessary.
It's easy to remove by twisting the edge of the frame.By creating a deliberate trigger, you can remove the lens with a slight force, just like peeling off a suction cup.When attaching / detaching, you will naturally hold the edge of the lens, so you will not touch the lens surface.No, you don't have to force yourself into the frame before that.Therefore, there is no need to worry about the lens being deformed or damaged, or the hands getting dirty.It's a system where the word "breakthrough" fits perfectly.
"The reason I used magnets was because I wanted to make lens replacement easier. The ideal we have envisioned is a system that automatically causes the lens to stick to the goggles. Is that possible at first? I thought, but the future will not come unless I imagine it. We have made that future come true with magnetic force. "
This time, the R & D team of anon. Answered the simple question of SBN.We are conducting tests day and night in the field for hints on development and next-generation product creation.
"Currently, we are proud that Magna-Tech is the fastest lens exchange system in the world. We aimed for all riders to respond on the spot, no matter what the light changes, all day long."・ The fly ”is quick. The development team at anon. has been interested in all kinds of technologies for many years with that in mind. "
How to remove a lens that cannot be removed
Of course, a lot of hard work and new ideas were required to realize such an unprecedented system.
"The development of Magna-Tech started from scratch. I drew various sketches, repeated prototypes with 3D models, and made prototypes. It took more than two years to complete the whole process including the field test. I'm spending time. There are some key technologies, but the one that took the most time was that the lens could be easily replaced, but it wouldn't fall off easily. "
Certainly, if it is easy to change the lens, I think that the lens may come off due to the impact of a fall.
"If you fix the lens to a flat frame with only magnetic force, that's the case. But in the case of Magna-Tech, the lens and the frame are intermeshed like a braided woodwork. This makes the lens itself a frame. It also plays a role in increasing the rigidity of the frame while keeping it in the correct position.
When removing the lens with Magna-Tech, I twisted the frame a little.This twist does not occur because it is sufficiently rigid when mounted.Furthermore, the frame is held by the face, which makes it even more rigid.Try removing the Magna-Tech lens without twisting the frame.I think it's pretty difficult.The power of magnets is that powerful.As a matter of fact, the lens has never fallen off even in the test using a professional rider and the fall impact test.
To tell the truth, the key to Magna-Tech's technology was how to easily remove a lens that was firmly stopped by a powerful magnet.Since it was hard to come off from the beginning, I can assure you that it is almost impossible for the lens to fall off while sliding or falling. "
Two approaches to prevent fogging and increase comfort
We also take two approaches to anti-fog.The first is "Outlast Face Fleece".This is the active material used in Magna-Tech equipped models.
"Maybe Outlast Face Fleece is the next generation of material. This soft fleece automatically stores and dissipates heat depending on the situation, slowing the temperature change inside the goggles. It can reduce the occurrence of fleece. It does not work after it starts to cloud, but it works by sensing the situation that seems to be cloudy. It is just an active anti-fog material. "
The other is MFI (Magnetic Facemask Integration), which is a magnetic integrated face mask installed in many models of anon. Including m3.
"We received various requests from riders all over the world for face masks. The most common one was that we managed to get rid of the cold face with powder! Just as Magna-Tech was developing, we Made a face mask with a removable magnet using this. The material used is a windproof material that blocks cold air. If you attach this to your goggles, you can cover your face efficiently and you will not feel comfortable wearing it. However, if it is left as it is, the exhaled air will flow into the goggles and cause cloudiness. Therefore, we installed a ventilator called O2 vent. This MFI blocks ultraviolet rays even in a park with strong sunlight in early spring. If you don't need it, you can remove it. It's up to the rider to use it. "
Make your helmet cooler and safer
In addition, the development team adds.
"We believe that the importance of helmets cannot be ignored, not only in the park, but also in the backcountry and on the slopes.
As a snowboarder, a helmet is best if you wear it on top of your goggles.It's cool and easy to use.However, the buckle on the goggle strap risks concentrating the impact on the part of the skull where the buckle hits.Snapback has eliminated this large buckle.In this case, wearing goggles and a helmet will not compromise your safety.It's cool, easy to use, and safe. "
anon. is trying to embody the rider's desire to do this by incorporating various techniques.
"Well, I think that's what anon. Means. I want you to focus on slipping. I'm thinking about what I can do for that. I'm not trying to force something new. Magna- Whether it's Tech or snapback, the result is groundbreaking, but the technology we're using is pretty good, but we're always trying to adopt new ways of thinking. While changing, listen carefully to what the riders are looking for, and I think that the path that anon. Should take will be self-evident. "
anon. Catalog
TEXT: TAKURO HAYASHI
