Hinge Assembly Lock Bar Magnetic Latch Gate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-closing gates pose an inconvenience when frequent ingress and egress are needed, as existing devices are costly, complex, difficult to install, and require modifications to surrounding structures, obstructing passage and risking damage from amplified forces.
Innovation Solution
A simple, inexpensive hinge assembly with a lock bar and magnetic latch mechanism that allows a self-closing gate to be held in an open position without modifying the surroundings, featuring a force relief mechanism to prevent damage from substantial forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-closing gate is used to ensure safety, then safety is improved, but convenience of passage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is pre-configured with a lock bar and magnetic latch mechanism that can be engaged before passage is needed. The lock bar can be positioned in advance to hold the gate open, and the magnetic latch is pre-positioned to automatically engage when the gate reaches the desired open position, eliminating the need for complex real-time operations during passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages the lock bar based on the gate's position, without requiring manual intervention. When the gate is moved to an open position, the magnetic latch automatically holds it there; when closed, it automatically releases, providing self-service functionality that improves convenience while maintaining safety.
2Ease of operation
If a locking device is added to hold the gate open, then convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the hinge assembly itself. The lock bar is integrated into the hinge pin assembly, and the magnetic latch is mounted directly on one of the hinge leaves. This combination eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic latch mechanism replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simpler magnetic field-based solution. Instead of using springs, levers, or cam mechanisms to hold the gate open, the patent uses magnetic attraction between the latch member and the lock bar, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a locking device is added to hold the gate open, then convenience is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic latch mechanism uses inexpensive permanent magnets and simple ferrous components that can be manufactured at low cost. The lock bar is a simple cylindrical component that can be easily fabricated, and the entire assembly uses basic machining operations, making it economically viable compared to complex electronic or mechanical locking systems.
4Ease of operation
If a locking device is added to hold the gate open, then convenience is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed with universal mounting features that allow it to be installed on various gate types and configurations. The lock bar and magnetic latch are positioned within the existing hinge structure, utilizing the same mounting holes and attachment methods as the hinge itself, eliminating the need for separate installation procedures or modifications to surrounding structures.
5Ease of operation
If a locking device is added to hold the gate open, then convenience is improved, but obstruction of passageway increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock bar is nested within the hinge pin assembly, and the magnetic latch is mounted on the surface of one of the hinge leaves. When the gate is open, these components occupy minimal space within the hinge mechanism itself, not extending into the passageway. The entire locking mechanism is contained within the hinge assembly's footprint, eliminating obstructions to the passageway while maintaining convenience.
6Strength
If the hinge is made strong to prevent failure, then strength is improved, but susceptibility to force damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force relief mechanism is pre-configured within the hinge assembly to activate before catastrophic failure can occur. The set screw is positioned and tensioned in advance to create a controlled failure point that will yield under excessive force, cushioning the blow and preventing damage to the entire hinge assembly and surrounding structures.
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
Facilitates easy passage while maintaining the gate in an open position without obstructing the passageway and preventing catastrophic failure from amplified forces, ensuring safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic latch member is mounted to one of the first or second hinge members to hold the lock bar in one of the first or second positions
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly is movable between open and closed positions and capable of being locked in an open position. The hinge assembly comprises first and second hinge members including, respectively, first and second body portions. A hinge pin assembly cooperates with the hinge members and has aligned internal bores and a longitudinal axis about which the hinge members rotate. A locking pin is movable within the internal bores between a first position and a second position. When the locking pin is in the first position the hinge members cannot rotate relative to one another, and when the locking pin is in the second position the hinge members can rotate relative to one another. A magnetic latch member is mounted to one of the hinge members to hold the locking pin in one of the first or second positions. The locking components may include a mechanical override device to prevent damage.