Electromagnetic Latch and Spring Mechanism for Animal Enclosure Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door opening systems for animal enclosures often require manual operation, which can be inconvenient for pet owners, especially when they are away from home and need to allow their pets to exit the enclosure for food or to prevent prolonged confinement.
Innovation Solution
A door opening system that incorporates a latch mechanism with an electromagnetic locking mechanism controlled by a control module, allowing for remote operation via a user interface device or a remote device connected wirelessly to the control module, and includes a spring-loaded opening mechanism to automatically open the door when the latch mechanism is disengaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual door opening system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates when the owner is away from home
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical door opening system with an electromagnetic locking mechanism controlled by a control module. The electromagnet can be activated remotely via wireless communication, allowing the door to be opened without physical presence. This substitution of mechanical operation with electromagnetic control resolves the contradiction by enabling remote operation while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control module as an intermediary between the user and the door locking mechanism. This control module receives wireless signals and activates the electromagnet accordingly, serving as a mediator that enables remote operation. The spring mechanism acts as another intermediary that automatically opens the door when the electromagnet is deactivated, providing a bridge between the electromagnetic control and mechanical door movement.
2Ease of operation
If a remote control system is added, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the electromagnet for remote door opening, provides local control through a user interface device mounted on the enclosure, and can integrate with monitoring systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple control methods into a single integrated unit, reducing the need for separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides self-service functionality by automatically opening the door when the electromagnet is deactivated. This automatic mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to physically open the door, as the spring automatically performs the opening action once the electromagnetic hold is released, reducing the operational complexity for the user.
3Reliability
If an electromagnetic locking mechanism is used, then the reliability of secure containment improves, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional components: the electromagnet for secure holding, the spring mechanism for automatic opening, and the control module for operation. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently using standard industrial processes, making the overall system easier to manufacture while maintaining the high reliability of the electromagnetic locking mechanism.
4Productivity
If a spring-loaded opening mechanism is added, then the productivity of door opening improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded during door closing to store potential energy. When the electromagnet is deactivated, this pre-stored energy is immediately released to rapidly open the door. This preliminary action of spring loading during the closing phase enables rapid door opening without requiring additional power or complex control mechanisms during the opening phase, thus improving productivity with minimal added complexity.
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
Enables convenient and remote operation of animal enclosures, allowing pet owners to release their pets without being present, while also providing a secure and automatic mechanism to prevent accidental escape or prolonged confinement.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism can include an electromagnet and an armature that is attracted to the electromagnet when the electromagnet is energized
Implementation Method 2
an armature that is attracted to the electromagnet when the electromagnet is energized
Implementation Method 3
The opening mechanism can include one or more spring-loaded devices or other types of devices that can move the door from the closed position to the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A door opening system for an animal enclosure is provided. The door opening system can include a latch mechanism to hold a door of the animal enclosure in a closed position and an opening mechanism to move the door to an open position in response to the latch mechanism releasing the hold on the door. The latch mechanism can incorporate an electromagnetic locking mechanism that is controlled by a user interface device at the enclosure or by a command from a remote device wirelessly connected to a control module for the electromagnetic locking mechanism by a network. The opening mechanism can include one or more springs that can move the door from the closed position to the open position.