Magnetic Latch With Second-Order Lever for Hinged Closure
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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-position locking mechanisms, alignment requirements, and sagging gate issues that disrupt magnetic attraction, making them cumbersome and potentially unsafe, especially for users of low height or children.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic latch design featuring a latch bolt assembly with a second-order lever mechanism that enhances magnetic attraction and reduces the force required to unfasten the closure, allowing for greater leeway in alignment and easier operation, combined with a locking mechanism that prevents accidental locking when the gate is open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic latch assembly uses a magnet assembly mounted on the support and a latch bolt assembly on the closure member, then the latch can fasten the closure member, but the latch bolt requires complex alignment and is sensitive to gate sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded latch bolt that can dynamically adjust its position. The spring allows the latch bolt to move vertically within the latch bolt assembly, enabling it to compensate for misalignment caused by gate sagging or installation variations. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable magnetic engagement without requiring precise static alignment between the latch bolt and magnet assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the latch bolt assembly is positioned low to be accessible, then children can easily open the gate, but users of low height have difficulty operating it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the magnet assembly at a higher location on the support, away from the latch bolt's horizontal plane. This vertical separation creates a dimensional offset that prevents children from easily accessing the latching mechanism while maintaining ease of operation for adult users. The high-positioned magnet assembly ensures that even if the latch bolt is accessible, the magnetic engagement occurs at a height that is difficult for children to manipulate.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental opening, then safety is improved, but the locking mechanism may be locked in the wrong position preventing proper latching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a latch bolt position detector that monitors the latch bolt's position before enabling the locking mechanism. This preliminary detection ensures that the locking mechanism can only be engaged when the latch bolt is in the correct latched position. By checking the position in advance, the system prevents accidental locking in the wrong position that would prevent proper latching, while still providing safety against accidental opening.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the magnet assembly is positioned high to prevent child access, then safety is improved, but the force required to operate the latch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a link rod as an intermediary mechanical element between the actuator and the latch bolt. The link rod transmits and amplifies the actuation force, allowing the magnet assembly to be positioned at a high location for safety while maintaining a reasonable actuation force. The link rod acts as a force transmission medium that compensates for the increased leverage required by the high-positioned magnet assembly.
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 misalignment, reduces the force needed to open the latch, and prevents accidental locking, improving usability and safety by allowing easier operation and reducing the risk of children opening the gate.
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 keeper assembly including a magnet and a latch bolt assembly having: an elongated frame (32); a latch bolt (14) moveable between a latching position and a retracted position; a latch bolt biasing member urging the latch bolt into its retracted position; and a latch bolt operating mechanism configured to move the latch bolt from its latching position to its retracted position against a magnetic attraction. The latch bolt operating mechanism comprises: an effort link rod (37); a load link rod (34); and a second-order lever (35) interposed between the effort link rod and the load link rod. The second-order lever reduces the force required to operate the latch bolt operating mechanism thus allowing for an increased magnetic attraction of the latch bolt towards the magnet in the keeper assembly.