Electronic Cabinet Lock with Magnetic Return Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabinet locks face issues such as key loss leading to user inconvenience, lack of record-keeping for access time and personnel identity, and mechanical components like compression springs experiencing elastic fatigue, causing instability and abrasion.
Innovation Solution
An electronic cabinet lock design featuring a housing unit, handle unit with a torsion spring and magnetically attractive swingable member, clutch unit with a motor-driven latch member, and a lock cylinder unit, allowing for convenient electronic or mechanical unlocking and locking operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression spring is used to bias the output shaft downwardly, then the locking mechanism can function, but the spring may deform due to elastic fatigue after long-term use causing unstable latching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the compression spring (mechanical elastic element) with a magnetic field-based return mechanism. The first magnet member on the output shaft and second magnet member on the swingable member create magnetic attraction that automatically returns the swingable member to its original position after locking operations, eliminating the need for a compression spring and avoiding elastic fatigue issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanism from mechanical elastic deformation (compression spring) to magnetic field interaction (magnet members). This parameter change from mechanical elasticity to magnetic attraction provides a non-contact, non-wearing force that does not degrade over time, thereby improving reliability and service life.
2Ease of operation
If the output shaft frictionally contacts the holding seat and latch plate during operations, then the locking mechanism can function, but this causes abrasion and damage to the electromagnetic lock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical frictional contact with magnetic field interaction. The magnet members create a non-contact force that moves the swingable member without friction, eliminating wear and damage to the electromagnetic lock components while maintaining full functionality of the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the output shaft and swingable member. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the magnetic field acts as a mediator to transfer force, eliminating friction and wear while maintaining the necessary mechanical movement and locking functionality.
3Reliability
If a key must be turned to move the latch plate upwardly during locking operation, then the lock can be secured, but the user must use one hand to grip the handgrip and another hand to rotate the key which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handgrip pressing motion with the latch plate movement function. When the user presses the handgrip toward the mounting seat, this single action simultaneously moves the output shaft upwardly to drive the latch plate upwardly, combining what were previously separate actions (gripping handgrip with one hand and turning key with other hand) into one unified motion that can be performed with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent gives the handgrip multiple functions: it serves as both the gripping handle and the actuator for the locking mechanism. Pressing the handgrip performs dual functions of engaging the electromagnetic lock and driving the latch plate upwardly, making the operation more versatile and convenient while maintaining locking security.
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
The electronic cabinet lock addresses the issues of key loss and record-keeping by providing a secure electronic locking system, and enhances durability by maintaining the functionality of the swingable member after long-term use, while also simplifying the locking operation with one-handed convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a second magnet member which is disposed on the swingable member and which is constantly attractive with the first magnet member
Implementation Method 2
a torsion spring which is disposed between the handgrip and the rotating axle... The torsion spring is disposed to bias the handgrip away from the accommodation slot
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic cabinet lock includes a handgrip pivotably connected with a housing unit, a swingable member swingably disposed on the handgrip, and first and second magnet members disposed on the handgrip and the swingable member and constantly attractive with each other. A latch member is controlled by a control unit to move in the up-down direction to be disposed forwardly of and abut against an upper end of the swingable member. A lock cylinder unit is disposed below the handgrip and includes a lock tongue movable in the up-down direction to be disposed forwardly of and abut against a lower end of the swingable member. During swinging of the swingable member where the swingable member is in abutting engagement with the latch member or the lock tongue, with the magnet members, the swingable member is moved back to render the swingable member well functioning after long term use.