Magnetic Latch for Compact Door Locks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door latch mechanisms require high spring force and large installation space to ensure proper operation, leading to difficulties in integrating them into compact designs and necessitating high force for opening, which can be triggered by minor factors like air pressure differences.

Innovation Solution

A latch with a pivotable front section held by magnets, allowing the door to be opened by applying pressure without a handle, where the magnetic holding force is overcome to fold the section, reducing the required force for further opening and incorporating a damper to minimize noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a spring with high spring force and preload is used to hold the front section, then the door can be securely closed, but a relatively high force is required to open the door and the spring requires a relatively large installation space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding forceVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical holding system with a magnetic field-based holding system. Magnets are used to generate the holding force that keeps the front section in its closed position, eliminating the need for a high-force spring and its associated preload mechanism. This substitution reduces the installation space required while maintaining the necessary holding force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter from mechanical spring force to magnetic field strength. By utilizing magnetic field intensity and its distance dependence, the system achieves high holding force in a compact configuration. The magnetic force naturally decreases with distance, providing secure holding when closed but requiring minimal force to overcome when opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a spring with high spring force is used to prevent premature opening, then the door remains securely closed, but the force required to continue the pivoting process is relatively high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to premature openingVSAvoidforce to open door

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based resistance mechanism with a magnetic field-based resistance mechanism. The magnets provide sufficient holding force to prevent premature opening due to air pressure differences, but the force required to open the door is reduced because the magnetic force decreases rapidly with distance as the front section pivots open.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary force that provides secure holding when the door is closed but naturally diminishes as the distance increases during the opening process. This intermediary magnetic force replaces the direct mechanical spring force, allowing the door to be securely held while requiring minimal force to overcome the holding once the opening process begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the front section is made pivotable to allow contactless opening, then the door can be opened by pressure without a handle, but the latch may open unintentionally due to air pressure differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless opening capabilityVSAvoidresistance to unintentional opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based resistance to pivoting with a magnetic field-based resistance system. The magnets provide sufficient holding force to prevent unintentional opening from air pressure differences, while still allowing the front section to pivot when sufficient pressure is applied. The magnetic force's distance dependence ensures reliable holding in the closed position.

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 magnetic latch provides a large holding force initially, reducing the force needed to open the door once triggered, ensuring easy operation and minimizing noise, while also allowing for optional blocking mechanisms to prevent contactless opening.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnet (15) which holds the front section (13) in a basic pivoted position with a holding force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a damper to minimize noise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4148210B1Door lock and latch for a door lock

Publication Date: 2024.03.20 BAUGRUPPENTECHN POLLMEIER

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a latch (10) for a door lock (4). The latch (10) has a pivotable front section (13) and at least one magnet (15) that holds the front section (13) in a basic pivoted position. The invention further relates to a door lock (4) with such a latch (10).