Magnetic Latch with Ferromagnetic Bridge for Sagging Gates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic latch assemblies for hinged closure systems face issues such as complex and difficult-to-execute opening motions, safety concerns due to low-positioned locking mechanisms, alignment challenges, and the need for frequent adjustments as the gate sags or moves, making them cumbersome for users, especially those of low height, and potentially accessible to children.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic latch design featuring a latch bolt assembly with a second-order lever mechanism that enhances magnetic attraction, allowing the latch bolt to be attracted from greater distances and reducing the force required to unfasten the closure, combined with a locking mechanism that prevents accidental locking while allowing easy operation from both sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic latch assembly uses a conventional latch bolt and magnet arrangement, then the structure is simple, but the magnetic attraction is insufficient when the gate moves or sags, requiring frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
A ferromagnetic bridge element is introduced as an intermediary between the latch bolt and the magnet. This bridge extends the magnetic flux path, allowing the magnet to attract the latch bolt even when the gate moves or sags, thereby maintaining reliable latching without requiring frequent adjustments to the relative positions of the magnet and latch bolt
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional direct mechanical connection between the magnet and latch bolt is replaced with a magnetic field-based system enhanced by the ferromagnetic bridge. This substitution allows the system to tolerate positional variations while maintaining effective magnetic attraction, reducing the need for mechanical adjustments
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the latch bolt is positioned low for easy access, then children can access it, but if positioned high for safety, then users of low height find it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The operating force application point is moved to a higher, safer position while the latching mechanism remains in its original position. The ferromagnetic bridge transmits the magnetic attraction force through a vertical link, allowing the actuator to be positioned at a height that is safe from child access but still easily reachable by adult users
3Force
If the magnet is positioned close to the latch bolt for strong attraction, then alignment precision is required, but if positioned far for tolerance, then magnetic attraction strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ferromagnetic bridge serves as a mediator that extends the magnetic flux path between the magnet and the latch bolt. This allows the magnet to be positioned at a greater distance from the latch bolt while still maintaining strong magnetic attraction, thereby reducing alignment precision requirements without sacrificing magnetic force
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental locking, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple mechanism that operates independently from the main latching mechanism. This allows the locking feature to be added without significantly increasing the complexity of the core magnetic latch assembly, providing an additional safety layer through a dedicated but simple locking component
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 enhanced magnetic attraction ensures reliable latching even with slight movements of the gate, reduces the force needed to open the latch, and provides a safer, more user-friendly operation by preventing accidental locking and allowing access from both sides.
Implementation Method 1
the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are configured to magnetically attract each other to move the latch bolt into its latching position against the latch bolt biasing member
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic latch for fastening a closure member to a support. The magnetic latch comprises a latch bolt assembly having: an elongated frame (32); a latch bolt moveable between a latching position and a retracted position; a latch bolt operating mechanism having a driving part (36) which is moveable between a rest position and an actuated position; and a locking mechanism to lock the driving part in its rest position. The locking mechanism comprises: a key actuated cylinder (51) having a rotary driving bit (52) and a locking member (54, 59, 61) mounted on the frame and moveable between an unlocking position in which the driving part is moveable, and a locking position in which, when the driving part is in its rest position, it locks the driving part in its rest position, the rotary driving bit being arranged to engage the locking member.