Magnetic Door Fitting Coupling for Energy Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door fittings require a large space, are expensive, cumbersome, and consume a lot of electrical energy due to the need for a spring element and motor-driven pretensioning, making them inefficient and difficult to handle.

Innovation Solution

A compact door fitting with a magnetic coupling system that uses a magnetized pin and adjusting disk to connect and disconnect the external handle from the lock mechanism, eliminating the need for a spring and reducing energy consumption by using an electromechanical actuator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring element and motor-driven pretensioning system are used to ensure secure coupling, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven pretensioning system with a purely mechanical spring-based pretensioning mechanism. The spring element (13) is pre-loaded in a stationary position and automatically engages with the coupling element (19) through mechanical interaction, eliminating the need for active motor control and reducing device complexity while maintaining coupling reliability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element (13) is designed to automatically pretension itself in a stationary position without external actuation. When the coupling element (19) is inserted, the spring automatically engages and provides the necessary pretension force, making the system self-regulating and eliminating complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a spring element with motor-driven pretensioning is used, then secure coupling is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the motor-driven pretensioning system and replaces it with a passive spring-based mechanism. The spring element (13) stores mechanical energy in a stationary position and releases it automatically when needed, eliminating continuous electrical energy consumption while maintaining secure coupling through mechanical pretensioning

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

3Reliability

If a spring element and motor system are used for coupling, then secure connection is ensured, but the device becomes cumbersome and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidhandling convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex motor-driven system with a simple spring-based mechanical mechanism. The spring element (13) is pre-loaded and automatically engages with the coupling element (19) through straightforward mechanical interaction, making the device lighter, easier to handle, and more cost-effective while maintaining secure connection

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the motor-driven pretensioning system from the coupling mechanism, retaining only the essential spring-based mechanical pretensioning. This simplification removes unnecessary complexity, reduces cost, and improves ease of operation while preserving the core function of secure coupling

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

The solution provides a simpler, faster, and more user-friendly operation with reduced energy expenditure, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement of the door handle while extending battery life and improving handling convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The coupling comprises at least one magnetized pin (18) that interacts with the split lock follower and can be moved between a coupled position that connects the two nut parts (14, 16) to one another and a decoupled position that leaves the two nut parts (14, 16) separate from one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

an actuating element (24) that is provided with appropriate magnets or is magnetized at least in sections to act on the magnetized element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3258038B1Door fitting
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 GEZE GMBH
  • EP3258038B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3258038B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3258038B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A door fitting comprises a coupling by which an outer handle, such as an external lever handle or the like, can be decoupled from a locking mechanism associated with the door and, in particular in combination with an access control system or the like, coupled to the locking mechanism. The outer handle is connected to a first cam section, and the locking mechanism is connected to a cam section of a split lock cam associated with the inner handle. The coupling comprises at least one magnetized element that interacts with the split lock cam and is movable between a coupled position connecting the two cam sections and a decoupled position keeping the two cam sections separate, and an actuating element that is provided with corresponding magnets or at least partially magnetized for applying magnets to the magnetized element.