Electromagnetic Lock Shock Protection Against Vibration Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic locks in lockers suffer from poor vibration resistance, leading to security vulnerabilities due to unwanted unlocking when subjected to external disturbances.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic lock design featuring a locking hook, locking element, electromagnet, and shock protection element within a housing, where the shock protection element prevents the locking element from rotating to an unlocking position during vibrations, ensuring the locking hook remains in the locked position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the electromagnetic lock uses an elastic element to hold the locking hook in the locked position, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the vibration resistance is poor leading to unwanted unlocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanism complexityVSAvoidvibration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is divided into multiple functional segments: a locking element main body for engagement, a blocking element that extends to prevent rotation, and a push-off element that interacts with the locking hook. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while working together to achieve both simplicity and vibration resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element acts as an intermediary between the locking element and the locking hook. It extends to abut against the locking hook in the locked position, preventing the locking hook from rotating to the unlocked position during vibrations, thus mediating the interaction to achieve vibration resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the locking hook is allowed to rotate freely between locked and unlocked positions, then the operation is simple, but security is compromised during vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking operation simplicityVSAvoidvibration-induced unlocking
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is positioned to extend and abut against the locking hook before any vibration-induced rotation can occur. This preliminary positioning creates a preventive barrier that counteracts the harmful effect of vibrations before they can cause unwanted unlocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is configured to dynamically respond to the position of the locking hook. When the locking hook is in the locked position, the blocking element extends to prevent rotation. When the locking element rotates to the unlocked position, the blocking element retracts, allowing the locking hook to rotate freely for unlocking operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the blocking element continuously prevents rotation, then vibration resistance is improved, but the unlocking operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration resistanceVSAvoidunlocking operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element's position is dynamically linked to the locking element's rotation. When the locking element is in the locked position, the blocking element extends to prevent vibration-induced rotation. When the locking element rotates to the unlocked position, the blocking element automatically retracts, allowing the locking hook to rotate freely for unlocking operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element alternates between extended and retracted states based on the locking element's position. It extends during the locked state to provide vibration resistance and retracts during the unlocked state to allow operation, creating a periodic action that switches between protection and operation modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 the vibration protection properties of the electromagnetic lock, preventing unwanted unlocking during external disturbances, thereby improving security and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet (4) provided within the housing (1) and configured to drive the locking element (3) to rotate between the first position and the second position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The elastic element is connected to the armature, and the armature is driven by a locking hook. When the current to the cylindrical coil is interrupted, the armature extends due to the elasticity of the elastic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4491838B1Electromagnetic lock and locker
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 DEUT POST AG
  • EP4491838B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4491838B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4491838B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to the technical field of logistics devices and discloses an electromagnetic lock and a locker, wherein the electromagnetic lock comprises a housing, a locking hook, a locking element, an electromagnet, and a shock-absorbing element, wherein the locking hook is capable of rotation relative to the housing and has a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein the locking element is capable of rotation relative to the housing and has a first position to prevent the locking hook from rotating to the unlocking position and a second position to allow the locking hook to rotate to the unlocking position, wherein the electromagnet serves to drive the locking element to rotate between the first position and the second position.wherein the shock protection element can rotate relative to the housing and has a home position and an operating position, wherein when the shock protection element is in the home position, the shock protection element is separated from the locking element, whereas when an external disturbance force drives the locking hook in the locking position to rotate in a set direction and separate from the locking element, the locking hook can drive the shock protection element in the home position to rotate into the operating position in order to prevent the locking element in the first position from rotating to the second position, thus ensuring that the locking element is always in the first position, which avoids unwanted unlocking caused by shock.