Magnetic Latch Assembly With Low Initial Opening Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch assemblies, both mechanical and magnetic, face difficulties in being easily opened while maintaining ease of closure, with mechanical latches requiring significant force to open and magnetic latches having high initial opening forces.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly design utilizing a stator and mover with strategically positioned and oriented magnets to manage the force required for opening and closing, allowing for easy door closure and controlled opening forces by adjusting the magnetic interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a magnetic latch assembly is used to draw the door closed, then the door closure is automatic and easy, but the initial opening force becomes quite high
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic latch system is segmented into multiple magnets with different functions: first and second magnets provide holding force to keep the door closed, while third and fourth magnets provide a lower initial opening force. This segmentation allows the system to deliver different force characteristics at different stages of operation, resolving the contradiction between easy closure and easy opening.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the latch assembly have different magnetic properties. The first and second magnets are positioned and oriented to provide strong holding force in the closed position, while the third and fourth magnets are positioned to provide a reduced initial opening force. This local differentiation of magnetic quality allows the system to simultaneously achieve strong closure and reduced opening effort.
2Reliability
If a mechanical latch assembly is used, then the door can be held securely closed, but significant force is required to open the door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical latch mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic interaction between magnets on the door and magnets on the frame provides both the holding force and the opening force, eliminating the need for mechanical springs, levers, and cam mechanisms that typically require high opening forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic force parameters are carefully controlled by adjusting magnet positions, orientations, and strengths. The first and second magnets are configured to provide strong holding force for security, while the third and fourth magnets are configured to provide a lower initial opening force, changing the force parameters across different operational states.
3Force
If the holding force of the latch assembly is increased, then the door is held more securely closed, but it becomes more difficult to open the door
Solution Approach 1:
The holding force function is segmented from the opening force function through separate magnet pairs. The first and second magnets are dedicated to providing holding force, while the third and fourth magnets are dedicated to providing initial opening force. This functional segmentation allows the holding force to be high without proportionally increasing the opening force.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary that can provide different force levels at different stages. The magnetic interaction allows the system to maintain high holding force while the third and fourth magnets provide a separate, controlled initial opening force that is lower than the holding force, breaking the direct proportionality between holding force and opening force.
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 design ensures the latch assembly can be easily opened while maintaining the door in a closed position with reduced effort, addressing the challenges of high opening forces in magnetic latches and cumbersome mechanical latches.
Implementation Method 1
Magnets mounted to the stator and/or the mover assist with holding the latch mechanism in a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly is provided. The latch assembly includes a stator and a mover. Magnets are mounted to the stator and/or the mover. The magnets assist with holding the latch mechanism is in a closed position. A position and orientation of the magnets also assists with shaping the force required to open the latch mechanism.