Magnetic Bolt Locking System for Aircraft Models

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current locking systems for aircraft models and similar applications face challenges such as limited durability, time-consuming assembly/disassembly, visual defects, and difficulty in accessing and operating connections, especially in small spaces, due to the use of elastic bands, screws, and visible operating elements.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic locking system that uses permanent magnets to move a bolt between unlocked and locked positions without visible external operating elements, allowing for simple, reliable, and energy-independent locking and unlocking, utilizing a combination of magnets with specific magnetization directions to achieve automatic and durable locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If elastic bands and plastic hooks are used for locking, then the locking system is simple and inexpensive, but the durability is limited due to stretching and tearing under tensile loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity and low cost of locking systemVSAvoiddurability under tensile loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the elastic band mechanical system with a magnetic field system. Permanent magnets mounted on the bolt and within the locking partner create magnetic attraction forces that eliminate the need for elastic bands, thereby improving durability while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of locking force from mechanical tension (elastic bands) to magnetic attraction (permanent magnets). This parameter change allows the locking system to withstand tensile loads without stretching or tearing, significantly improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If screw connections are used for secure locking, then the connection strength and durability are improved, but the assembly and disassembly time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strength and durabilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw mechanical system with a magnetic locking system. The magnetic attraction between permanent magnets provides secure locking without requiring threading or tightening operations, reducing assembly and disassembly time while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent magnets are pre-mounted on the bolt and within the locking partner during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming screw tightening operations during assembly, as the magnetic connection is immediately effective upon engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If screw connections and visible operating elements are used, then the locking mechanism is reliable and operable, but visual defects appear on the model surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance of model surface
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the operating elements (screws, knobs, or other visible components) from the model surface by implementing a contactless magnetic operating system. The permanent magnets can be actuated through the model surface without requiring visible openings or protruding elements, thereby improving aesthetic appearance while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 quick, easy, and reliable locking and unlocking without visible external mechanisms, reducing assembly time and maintaining a clean aesthetic while ensuring secure connections, even in small and hard-to-reach areas.

Implementation Method 1

The bolt (11) has a first magnet (12). The first locking partner (1) has a second magnet (15). The direction of magnetization of the first magnet (12) corresponds to the direction of movement (B) of the bolt (11). The direction of magnetization of the second magnet (15) is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of magnetization of the first magnet (12).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction and repulsion: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3266963B1Locking system
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 LINKERT KONSTRUKTION ENTWICKLUNG BEARBEITUNG & FERTIGUNG VON KUNSTPRODUKTEN
  • EP3266963B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3266963B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3266963B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a locking system (1, 2) for locking two locking partners (1, 2), wherein the first locking partner (1) has a bolt (11) which is movable in a direction of movement (B) between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking system (1, 2) is characterized in that the bolt (11) has a first magnet (12), wherein the first locking partner (1) further has a second magnet (15), wherein the magnetization direction of the first magnet (12) corresponds at least substantially to the direction of movement (B) of the bolt (1), and wherein the magnetization direction of the second magnet (15) is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first magnet (12).