Magnetic Latch Assembly for Easy Opening and Closure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch assemblies, both mechanical and magnetic, face difficulties in being easily opened while maintaining the door closed, and often fail to properly close if the resistance force is not fully overcome, leading to inconvenience and potential operational issues in appliances.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic latch assembly utilizing two magnets mounted on a stator and a mover, with additional magnets to engage and disengage based on the door's position, allowing for easy opening and reliable closure detection, thereby optimizing the force required to shift between open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic latch assembly uses a magnet to draw a door shut, then the door closure is automatic and secure, but the initial opening force required becomes quite high
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic latch assembly is divided into two separate magnets: a first magnet mounted to the stator and a second magnet mounted to the mover. This segmentation allows each magnet to be optimized for different functions - one for providing strong holding force and another for facilitating easier opening, thereby resolving the contradiction between secure closure and easy opening.
2Reliability
If a mechanical latch assembly uses a burst type mechanism, then the door can be held closed, but overcoming the holding force to open the door is difficult and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical burst-type latch mechanism with a magnetic field-based latch system. The magnetic interaction between the first magnet on the stator and the second magnet on the mover provides the holding force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical spring-loaded mechanisms and making the door easier to open while maintaining secure closure.
3Reliability
If a mechanical latch assembly uses a burst type mechanism, then the door can be held closed, but overcoming the resistance force to close the door is difficult and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic latch assembly replaces the mechanical resistance-based closing mechanism with a magnetic attraction system. The magnetic field naturally draws the door closed without requiring the user to overcome mechanical resistance, making door closing easy and convenient while maintaining reliable door holding capability.
4Reliability
If a latch assembly provides strong holding force to keep the door closed, then the door remains secure, but the door may not properly close if the user fails to fully overcome the resistance force
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic latch assembly is designed to be self-actuating through magnetic attraction. When the door approaches the closed position, the magnetic force between the first magnet on the stator and the second magnet on the mover automatically pulls the door into the fully closed position, eliminating the need for the user to apply excessive force and ensuring reliable door closure.
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 magnetic latch assembly provides a balanced force profile for easy opening and secure closure, ensuring the door is properly secured and easily accessible, while features for detecting the closed position enhance appliance operation.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic latch assembly that draws a door shut while also being easy to open
Implementation Method 2
Such magnetic latch assemblies generally include a magnet that draws a door shut without a user applying any force to the door
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly with a first magnet and a second magnet is provided. The first and second magnets engage each other when the latch assembly is in a closed position. The latch assembly also includes features for determining when the latch assembly is in the closed position. Knowledge of when the latch assembly is in the closed position can assist with operation of an associated appliance.