Magnetic Latch Lever Mechanism Reduces Opening Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic latch assemblies for hinged closure systems face challenges such as complex and difficult-to-execute opening motions, safety concerns due to easy lifting of the knob, alignment issues requiring regular adjustments, and bulkiness due to the placement of key cylinders.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic latch assembly with a latch bolt assembly and a keeper assembly, featuring a second-order lever mechanism that reduces the force required to unfasten the closure, and a horizontally moveable latch bolt design that allows for easier alignment and reduced friction, along with a compact locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a magnetic latch assembly uses a vertical latch bolt with a compression spring to bias the latch bolt to the retracted position, then the latch bolt can be automatically retracted when the magnet is moved away, but the force required to pull the actuator upwards becomes very large making it difficult for users to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic retraction of latch boltVSAvoidforce required to pull actuator

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional mechanism by having the magnet assembly move vertically instead of the latch bolt moving horizontally. The actuator pulls the magnet assembly upwards against a spring, which indirectly retracts the latch bolt through a link mechanism. This inversion reduces the direct force requirement on the actuator while maintaining automatic retraction reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a link mechanism as an intermediary between the magnet assembly and the latch bolt. The link converts the vertical motion of the magnet assembly into horizontal motion of the latch bolt, allowing the system to achieve automatic retraction while reducing the force required at the actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the latch bolt assembly is mounted in an upright position on top of the gate with the actuator on the upper side, then legal regulations for swimming pool gates can be met regarding actuator height and force, but the opening motion becomes complex requiring multiple steps (depressing central area, then pulling upwards)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompliance with legal regulationsVSAvoidopening motion sequence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the safety function from a complex multi-step mechanism and implements it through a simple vertical pulling motion. The magnet assembly's vertical movement inherently provides the safety function by requiring sufficient upward force, eliminating the need for separate depression and pulling steps while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If a magnetic latch assembly uses a horizontal latch bolt design, then alignment between the latch bolt and magnet is easier and friction is reduced, but the latch bolt cannot be automatically retracted by magnetic attraction alone requiring a spring mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment and friction reductionVSAvoidspring mechanism for automatic retraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional horizontal latch bolt design by using a vertical latch bolt that moves vertically within the magnet assembly's travel path. This allows magnetic attraction to directly retract the latch bolt without requiring a separate spring mechanism, while maintaining the alignment and friction reduction benefits of a linear motion design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enhanced ease of use with reduced force required for opening, improved safety by simplifying the opening motion, and increased reliability due to reduced friction and improved alignment, while maintaining a compact and efficient design.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12203302B2Magnetic latch for fastening a hinged closure member to a support

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 LOCINOX NV

AI summary

A magnetic latch for fastening a closure member to a support comprising a latch assembly and a keeper assembly. The latch assembly comprises: a frame (70); a latch bolt (14) moveable between a latching position and a retracted position along a horizontal direction; and a latch bolt operating mechanism configured to move the latch bolt from its latching position to its retracted position. The latch bolt moved into its latching position by magnetic attraction. The latch bolt operating mechanism comprises an operation lever (91) and a support lever (92) both of which have a first part pivotally connected to the frame and a second part connected to the latch bolt. The latch bolt is suspended by the operation lever and the support lever and is swingable between its latching position and its retracted position.