Intelligent Gate Latch With Magnetic Status Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate locking systems require manual visual verification to check the status of the gate and lack remote feedback, making it difficult for users to ensure the gate is securely locked and tamper-proof, especially when not at home.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent lock and latch system using ferromagnetic objects with sensors to measure magnetic fields generated by magnets at non-zero angles, providing remote status reporting and wireless communication to ensure the gate is accurately locked and unlocked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional gravity latch with padlock is used, then the gate can be mechanically locked, but the user cannot remotely monitor the gate status and must visually check it manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a magnetic sensing system that continuously monitors the gate position and wirelessly transmits status information to the user's mobile device. Magnets attached to the gate and corresponding sensors in the latch assembly create a feedback loop that automatically reports gate status (open/closed/locked) without requiring manual visual inspection, thereby eliminating information loss while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical gravity latch system with an intelligent system that incorporates magnetic fields and wireless communication. Instead of relying on mechanical indicators that require visual inspection, the system uses magnetic sensors to detect gate position and communicates this information electronically, substituting mechanical status indication with electronic feedback mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the gate locking system is made waterproof and secure, then the gate is protected from elements and tampering, but the user has no way to provide or receive feedback when away from home
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication modules and mobile computing devices as intermediaries between the gate locking system and the user. The magnetic sensors and wireless transmitters act as intermediaries that carry status information from the sealed, waterproof latch assembly to the user's remote device, enabling feedback without compromising the waterproof integrity or security of the physical gate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent latch assembly combines multiple functions: mechanical locking, magnetic sensing, wireless communication, and status reporting. This multi-functional system maintains the waterproof and secure properties of traditional gate locks while adding remote monitoring capabilities, allowing the same device to provide both physical security and information feedback without requiring separate systems.
3Loss of information
If ferromagnetic objects are used for magnetic field sensing, then remote status reporting is enabled, but the magnetic field measurements may be inaccurate due to interference from other ferromagnetic objects in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions magnets and magnetic sensors at specific locations where the magnetic field strength and distribution are optimized for accurate detection. By carefully selecting the local magnetic environment and shielding sensitive areas from interfering ferromagnetic objects, the system achieves reliable status detection despite the presence of multiple ferromagnetic components in the gate assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple magnets and sensors to provide redundant measurements, allowing the system to compensate for interference from individual ferromagnetic objects. By having excess sensing capability, the system can filter out noisy or inaccurate readings and rely on consistent measurements, thereby maintaining high measurement precision even in the presence of magnetic interference.
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 reliable remote monitoring and reporting of gate status, ensuring secure locking and unlocking, even when users are away, with waterproof and tamper-proof functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least two magnets being disposed at non-zero angles relative to each other, the at least two magnets being configured to generate a magnetic field in proximity to the latch assembly, the latch pin and the receiving channel
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to measure a magnitude of the magnetic field. The magnitude exceeds a threshold value only when the latch pin is disposed within the receiving channel
Implementation Method 3
accurate reporting of the position of a first ferromagnetic object that varies with respect to a second ferromagnetic object where both the first and second ferromagnetic objects are disposed in the presence of a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An ingress control system utilizes magnetic detection to determine whether the ingress control system is either allowing or disallowing ingress into a controlled area. The ingress control system includes a latch pin that is movably disposed within a latch assembly in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic field is created by a plurality of magnets disposed at non-zero angles relative to each other and the latch pin and latch assembly are introduced as magnetic poles disposed within the magnetic field. A magnetic sensor detects the presence of the latch pin within a receiving channel of the latch assembly by measuring a magnetic field magnitude above a threshold value. The magnetic sensor detects the absence of the latch pin within a receiving channel of the latch assembly by measuring a magnetic field magnitude below the threshold value.