Magnetic Latch Contact Assembly for Tamper-Sensing Access Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper detection systems for secure enclosures, such as medical irradiators and complex machinery, face challenges in minimizing maintenance impact and accommodating irregular geometries while preventing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic electrical latch assembly with a meandering conductor path and magnetic electrical contact system that creates a continuity circuit, allowing for flexible installation and detection of tampering attempts through a closed or open circuit, triggering an alarm if the access panel is removed or penetrated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic electrical latch assembly with meandering conductor path is used, then tamper detection capability is improved and maintenance impact is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic electrical latch assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical latch to secure the access panel and an electrical contact to detect tampering. The meandering conductor path integrated into the panel provides both structural support and electrical continuity monitoring, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the mechanical latching function and electrical detection function into a single integrated assembly. The magnetic contact both secures the panel mechanically and completes an electrical circuit when engaged, merging two separate systems into one unified device that reduces overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a magnetic electrical contact system is used, then adaptability to various geometries is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic contact is designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust to geometric variations in the enclosure and access panel. The meandering conductor path allows for flexible positioning and accommodation of dimensional tolerances, enabling the system to adapt to different geometries without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision.
3Ease of operation
If conductive magnets are used as contact switches, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of magnetic material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical contact switches with magnetic contacts that utilize magnetic attraction forces. This substitution eliminates the need for direct mechanical contact and associated wear, allowing for easier operation through simple magnetic engagement while reducing material loss through non-contact operation.
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
Enables secure and maintenance-friendly tamper detection, accommodating various geometries with a single circuit device, and is cost-effective to implement using common magnetic components and plastic brackets, ensuring protection against unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic electrical contact is arranged to couple with an opposing contact pad to create an electrical connection
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic electrical latch assembly for sensing an electrical contact has a housing for supporting a magnetic electrical contact. The housing has an annular cavity and a cylinder disposed within the cavity. A magnetic electrical contact is attached at one end to the cylinder. The cylinder is movable axially within the cavity. The magnetic electrical contact has an electrical connection to a first conductive wire. The magnetic electrical contact is arranged to couple with an opposing contact pad to create an electrical connection between an external conductor path and the first conductive wire. Also, a magnetic electrical contact sensor system has a hollow enclosure with a detachable access panel. A meandering conductor path cover a portion of the access panel. The conductor path terminates on a contact pad. A magnetic electrical latch assembly has a housing for supporting the magnetic electrical contact within the enclosure.