Magnetically-Triggered Bolt Operator with Position Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt assemblies do not ensure that the bolt is extended only when the two components are in the appropriate position relative to each other, leading to potential unsafe conditions.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically-triggered bolt assembly with a concealed lever operator using a two-bar linkage to drive rack and pinion gears, ensuring the bolt is extended only when the components are correctly aligned, and including a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism and a back drive prevention subassembly to prevent unauthorized retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key-actuated bolt assembly is used, then the bolt can be extended to prevent access, but unsafe conditions may prevail if the components are not properly interengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional key-actuated mechanical system with a magnetically-triggered system. Magnets are positioned on both the bolt assembly and the strike component, creating a magnetic field that verifies proper alignment and engagement before allowing bolt extension. This eliminates the need for manual key operation and provides automatic safety verification through magnetic interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field interaction between the bolt assembly and strike component provides automatic feedback on proper positioning. When the components are correctly aligned, the magnetic field strength indicates proper engagement, automatically enabling or disabling bolt extension based on verified position rather than relying on manual operation.
2Measurement precision
If manual key operation is used, then the bolt can be extended, but it cannot verify that components are in the appropriate position relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The manual key operation is replaced with an automatic magnetic field-based position verification system. Magnets embedded in both the bolt assembly and strike component create a magnetic field that precisely measures and verifies the relative position and alignment of components, enabling extension only when properly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses changes in magnetic field parameters (strength, orientation, distribution) to detect and verify the precise relative position of the bolt assembly and strike component. By monitoring these magnetic field parameter changes, the system achieves accurate position verification without complex mechanical measurement devices.
3Ease of operation
If the bolt assembly allows extension without position verification, then operation is simple, but unsafe conditions may prevail
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains operational simplicity by using automatic magnetic field verification instead of complex manual verification procedures. The magnetic field automatically checks component alignment and position, enabling or disabling extension based on verified safety conditions, thus preserving simplicity while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt assembly performs self-verification of proper positioning through the magnetic field interaction between itself and the strike component. The system automatically determines whether extension is safe based on the magnetic field characteristics, eliminating the need for external verification mechanisms or complex operational procedures.
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
Ensures the bolt is securely extended only when the components are correctly aligned, preventing unauthorized access and tampering, while allowing secure locking and unlocking from both interior and exterior positions.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second magnets may be positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position as a result of magnetic repulsion when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetically-triggered lock mechanism for interengaging two relatively movable components. The lock mechanism includes a bolt mounted within a first component composed of a first material and displaceable between retracted and extended positions to interengage with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended, and a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position. A support collar composed of a second material having higher strength than that of the first material is disposed around the bolt between an inner casing and outer casing of the first component and is spaced from the bolt to allow for sliding movement of the bolt through the support collar as the bolt moves between the extended and retracted positions. The support collar absorbs and distributes to the inner and/or outer casing a load generated from the bolt as the bolt moves to the extended position through the support collar. A second magnet is positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component.