Magnetic Hammer Latch for Easy Panel Alignment and Secure Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing latching mechanisms for securing flat panels are often bulky, expensive, and require significant effort to engage and disengage, with potential for accidental disengagement due to loose fits or high user force requirements.

Innovation Solution

A latching mechanism composed of two sturdy rectangular frames with protruding pins and magnetic guides for alignment, a rotatable hammer that locks the panels together with magnetic or mechanical locking mechanisms, allowing secure engagement with minimal user effort and easy disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional latching mechanisms are used to secure flat panels, then secure engagement is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure engagementVSAvoiddevice bulkiness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a latch member with engagement protrusion, a separate locking member with engagement recess, and independent magnetic alignment features. This segmentation allows each component to be minimized in size while maintaining overall security, eliminating the need for a single bulky integrated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic attraction forces are used to replace traditional mechanical spring-loaded or cam-based locking mechanisms. The magnets provide both alignment assistance and retention force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical systems that would increase device volume and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional latching mechanisms are used, then secure engagement is achieved, but significant user effort is required to engage and disengage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure engagementVSAvoiduser effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Magnetic attraction provides automatic alignment and engagement assistance, reducing the force needed by the user. The magnetic force between the latch member and locking member creates a natural guiding effect that facilitates easy engagement without requiring significant manual effort to overcome mechanical resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism incorporates dynamic movement capability where the latch member can rotate or pivot between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic design allows the user to easily switch states with minimal force, as the magnetic retention holds the engaged position securely while allowing controlled movement for disengagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If loose fit is provided in the latch, then ease of operation is improved, but accidental disengagement may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of engagementVSAvoidaccidental disengagement prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple magnetic attraction points are distributed between the latch member and locking member, providing excessive retention force that far exceeds the force needed for engagement. This ensures that once engaged, the connection is extremely secure and resistant to accidental disengagement, while the initial engagement remains easy due to magnetic guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary force between the latch member and locking member, creating a gradient that guides alignment during engagement while maintaining strong retention. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that provides both the alignment assistance for ease of operation and the retention force for preventing accidental disengagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 mechanism provides secure panel attachment with minimal effort, resistance against unwanted separation, and easy disassembly, addressing the issues of bulkiness, cost, and security in existing solutions.

Implementation Method 1

Magnets in the hole help the user aligning the pins and holes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The magnets hold the hammer in the latched position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11882936B2Magnet, pin, and spring assisted lockable horizontally and vertically aligning ergonomic novel latch mechanisms

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 HARVE SHWETA

AI summary

A system for fastening panels at 90-degree angles and at 180-degree angles is provided comprising a frame hammer assembly attached proximate a first edge of a first panel and a frame dowel pin assembly attached proximate a second edge of a second panel. At least one dowel pin protrudes from the dowel pin assembly, the at least one pin inserted into an alignment hole in the frame hammer assembly upon placement of the first edge against the second edge and alignment of the assemblies. A rotatable hammer attached to the hammer assembly, the hammer attached, after rotation, to the dowel pin assembly. A hammer magnet is attached to the hammer and one of a frame magnet and a frame steel plate attached to the dowel pin assembly, the hammer magnet and the one of the frame magnet and frame steel plate attracting and contacting after rotation.