Electromagnetic Locking Wedge with Spring Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic locking devices for doors and windows face challenges in achieving high holding forces while maintaining low power consumption, often requiring large electromagnets with high current consumption.
Innovation Solution
The locking device incorporates a tensioning element that actuates a release spring, allowing the electromagnet to hold the locking wedge in place, reducing the magnetic force needed and enabling adjustable release forces, along with a switch that only energizes the electromagnet when necessary, minimizing power usage and magnet size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a large electromagnet is used to achieve high holding forces, then the holding capacity of the locking device is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release spring is pre-tensioned by the tensioning element before the locking operation. This preliminary action stores mechanical energy in the spring, which is then released to assist the electromagnet in holding the locking wedge, reducing the continuous power requirement of the electromagnet while maintaining high holding forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously - it is energized only during the brief moment needed to release the locking wedge, while the release spring provides continuous holding force. This periodic operation dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining effective locking capability.
2Reliability
If the electromagnet is continuously energized to maintain locking, then the holding reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release spring automatically maintains the locking wedge in the locked position without requiring continuous external energy input. The spring's mechanical energy storage and release mechanism provides self-sustaining locking action, eliminating the need for continuous electromagnet energization while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet is energized periodically only when release is required, not continuously for holding. This periodic operation maintains locking reliability through the mechanical spring system while minimizing energy consumption to only the brief moments when electrical actuation is needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a tensioning element with release spring is added to reduce electromagnet size, then the power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning element and release spring are integrated into the existing locking mechanism structure, combining multiple functions (tensioning, releasing, holding) into a unified mechanical assembly that works cooperatively with the electromagnet, thereby managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
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
This solution allows for high holding forces with reduced magnet size and power consumption, improving functional reliability and efficiency while preventing damage from overpressing and optimizing energy use.
Implementation Method 1
a receptacle (3) which has an electromagnet (20) and a pivotable release lever (40) with a locking wedge (43)
Implementation Method 2
which tensions a release spring (32) of the release slide (30) and moves the release slide (30) from a release position into a blocking position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (1) for a wing, which has a drive, a sliding arm moved by the drive with a slider (6) guided in a slide rail (5), comprising a receptacle (3) which receives an electromagnet (20) and a pivotable release lever (40) with detent wedge (43), which is arranged in or on the slide rail (5) and holds the slider (6) in a locking position, wherein the electromagnet (20) is coupled to the release lever (40) via a spring-loaded release slide (30).According to the invention, a tensioning element (36) is provided which can be actuated by the slider (6) when the wing is opened, which tensions a release spring (32) of the release slide (30) and moves the release slide (30) from a release position to a blocking position, in which the release slide (30) is positively engaged with the release lever (40) and blocks the pivoting movement of the release lever (40), wherein the electromagnet (20) in the energized state holds the release slide (30) against the force of the release spring (32) in this blocking position, and wherein in the unenergized state of the electromagnet (20) the release spring (32) moves the release slide (30) from the blocking position to the release position.