Magnetic Holding Device for Foldable Door Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable door holding devices are complex, require multiple parts, take up significant space, and are not suitable for doors with a single element, necessitating a different design for each door configuration.

Innovation Solution

A simplified holding device with a locking unit, force transmitter, and magnetic or ferromagnetic components that allows for easy mounting on a single door element, using a locking mechanism that transitions between holding and release positions with minimal parts and space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pressure-actuated holding device with multiple fitting members and device parts is used to hold the foldable door, then the door can be held in closed position and folding process can be initiated, but the device structure becomes complex and requires numerous parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor holding functionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is divided into two functional modules: a holding module with a holding element (magnet) for maintaining closed position, and a release module with a release element for initiating opening. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is designed to work with both single-element doors and multi-element foldable doors using the same basic structure. The holding element and release element can be positioned to accommodate different door configurations, eliminating the need for completely different device designs for different door types.

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

2Reliability

If multiple fitting members and device parts are used to connect door elements, then the door can be held and released, but the device takes up a lot of space within the piece of furniture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor holding functionVSAvoiddevice space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element and release element are positioned within or adjacent to each other, with the release element typically located near the holding element. This nested or closely integrated arrangement minimizes the overall space required for the device while ensuring both functions can be performed effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding and release functions are achieved through positioning elements in specific spatial relationships (e.g., magnetic holding force in one dimension, mechanical release in another), allowing compact integration without compromising functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If two fitting parts are used to connect door elements, then the door can be held in closed position, but it must be ensured that they are connected at the correct distance and alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor holding functionVSAvoidassembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element (e.g., magnet) and release element are designed to automatically align and engage at the correct distance and orientation when the door is in the closed position. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for precise pre-positioning during assembly, as the elements naturally find their correct configuration through the door's geometry and the holding force itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If a holding device with multiple mechanically guided parts is used, then the door can be held securely, but the device requires precise mechanical guidance and alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor holding functionVSAvoidmechanical guidance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding function is achieved primarily through magnetic attraction between the holding element and the door, replacing the need for complex mechanical guidance systems. This substitution of magnetic field for mechanical guidance significantly reduces device complexity while maintaining secure holding.

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

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 device efficiently holds foldable doors in a closed position, supports automatic opening, and minimizes space usage, while being easily mountable and cost-effective, suitable for both single and multi-part doors.

Implementation Method 1

a holding magnet (282) is provided, which in the holding position is held by magnetic attraction by the locking element (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a force accumulator (34) which is to be loaded manually by the user and which acts against the ejector element (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy storage: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20250333987A1Holding device for a door and functional entity with a holding device
Publication Date: 2025.10.30 HAWA SLIDING SOLUTIONS AG
  • US20250333987A1 patent drawing
  • US20250333987A1 patent drawing
  • US20250333987A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A holding device holds a pivotally mounted door element closed and releases the door element, includes a locking unit with force transmitter, having a connection part, and locking mechanism reaching a holding position and the holding device connects to a locking element, and release position, wherein the locking mechanism releases and the holding device disconnects from the locking element. The locking element includes at least partially magnetic or ferromagnetic material, mounting part with mounting body and holding lever with body, the mounting body connects to the door element and connects by lever joint to the lever body including a front piece, holding at least one magnet, wherein the holding position force-lockingly connects to the locking element, and coupling unit with a single or multi-part coupling body which distanced from the lever joint pivotally connects to the mounting body and pivotally connects to the lever body and locking unit connection part.