Magnetically Actuated Elevator Door Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator door lock mechanisms are costly and prone to maintenance issues, contributing to approximately 50% of elevator maintenance requests and 30% of callbacks.
Innovation Solution
A novel elevator door lock design utilizing a magnetically operated latch, where a permanent magnet interacts with a ferromagnetic portion of the latch to pivot between locking and released positions, leveraging gravity and magnetic attraction for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solenoid-based electromechanical lock mechanism is used, then the door lock can be reliably actuated, but the component cost and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional solenoid-based electromechanical lock mechanism with a magnetically actuated system. Instead of using a solenoid that requires electrical power and complex mechanical components, the invention uses a permanent magnet that can be positioned to attract or repel a ferromagnetic latch, thereby locking or unlocking the door. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive solenoid components while maintaining reliable door locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the expensive solenoid component from the traditional door lock mechanism. By removing the solenoid and replacing it with a simpler permanent magnet system, the invention reduces component complexity and cost while preserving the essential locking function. The magnet is positioned to interact with the latch in a similar manner to how a solenoid would actuate the latch, but without requiring electrical power or complex mechanical actuation.
2Reliability
If a traditional electromechanical door lock is installed, then door security is maintained, but maintenance costs and callback rates increase due to component failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a permanent magnet system that is inherently more durable and less prone to failure than traditional solenoid components. The permanent magnet has no electrical connections, no windings, and no moving parts that could fail, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and callback rates. The simplicity of the magnet-based system means fewer components can go wrong, making the lock easier to maintain and less expensive to operate over time.
3Force
If a magnet is positioned close to the latch portion, then magnetic attraction force increases for reliable unlocking, but the magnet moves in a different direction than the latch pivots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the directional mismatch between magnet movement and latch pivoting by introducing a guide mechanism that constrains the magnet's motion. The guide allows the magnet to move in one dimension (horizontally along the guide) while the latch pivots in another dimension (vertically). This dimensional separation resolves the coordination issue, as the magnet can approach the latch from the horizontal direction without interfering with the vertical pivoting motion of the latch. The guide ensures proper alignment and timing of the magnetic actuation with the latch's rotational movement.
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 robust, efficient, and cost-effective elevator door lock that reduces maintenance needs and operational costs, while ensuring secure door operation.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet interacts with a ferromagnetic portion of the latch to pivot between locking and released positions
Implementation Method 2
a mass of the latch is greater near the second end, gravity biases the second end in a downward direction to move the latch into the locking position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator door lock (30) includes a latch (34) that is moveable between a locking position and a released position. The latch includes a locking surface (36) configured to engage a stop (38) when the latch (34) is in the locking position. A magnet (42) is situated to magnetically attract a portion of the latch (34) to selectively move the latch (34) from the locking position into the released position.