Magnetic Door Closing System to Reduce Mechanical Locking Complexity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door locking systems for cold storage rooms and emergency exit doors are complex, costly, and prone to errors due to the need for airtight seals and mechanical locking mechanisms, which are difficult to produce and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A door locking system utilizing magnetic means and magnetic detectors that form a non-positive connection, allowing for adjustable magnetic force and speed control through position changes along guide sections, eliminating the need for additional locks and simplifying operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical locking mechanisms and handles are used to achieve airtight seals, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical locking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic closing system. Magnetic elements embedded in the door leaf interact with magnetic detectors in the door frame to generate closing force, eliminating the need for mechanical locks, bolts, and complex sealing mechanisms while maintaining reliable sealing through magnetic attraction.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses adjustable magnetic elements that can be positioned at different locations along guide sections. By changing the position of magnetic elements relative to magnetic detectors, the closing force and door behavior can be optimized for different sealing requirements, providing adaptability without mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If different door closing mechanisms are manufactured for cold storage rooms and refrigerated rooms, then door opening time requirements are met, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor opening timeVSAvoiddoor closing mechanism variety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the magnetic element position adjustable along guide sections, allowing the door closing characteristics to be dynamically modified. By repositioning the magnetic element, the closing force profile changes, enabling the same door to be adapted for different opening time requirements (e.g., shorter opening times for refrigerated rooms vs. standard times for cold storage rooms) without manufacturing different mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal door closing system that can serve multiple functions and applications. The adjustable magnetic element allows a single door design to meet different operational requirements (cold storage, refrigerated storage, emergency exits) by simply repositioning the magnetic element, eliminating the need for separate specialized mechanisms for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If additional locks and locking mechanisms are installed, then door security and sealing are improved, but manufacturing cost and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor sealing and securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces additional locks, bolts, and electronic locking mechanisms with a magnetic closing system. The magnetic attraction between embedded elements provides both sealing pressure and security, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.

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

4Extent of automation

If complex mechanical opening systems are used for emergency exit doors, then door control is improved, but ease of operation during emergencies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor control capabilityVSAvoidemergency operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes complex mechanical opening systems from emergency exit doors. The magnetic closing force can be easily overcome by simple pushing or pulling actions, allowing users in emergency situations to open doors quickly without dealing with locks, latches, or complex mechanisms, while still maintaining controlled closing behavior when not in use.

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 controlled and predeterminable door closure speed and force, reducing production costs and complexity, while ensuring airtight seals and easy operation, including emergency exit doors without elaborate mechanical systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic means for emitting magnetic field lines and at least one magnetic detector means for receiving the magnetic field lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic force leading to the force-fit connection can be adjusted by changing the position of the magnetic detector means and/or the magnetic means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3739157A1Door closing system for closing doors and door with such a door closing system
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 VIESSMANN REFRIGERATION SOLUTIONS GMBH
  • EP3739157A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3739157A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3739157A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a door closing system for closing doors and to a door with such a door closing system.