Magnetic Locking Flap for Sliding Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding element arrangements face challenges in allowing individual movement of sliding elements while maintaining security and weather-tightness, as traditional locking mechanisms require precise alignment and increase production costs, and can lead to water ingress due to through-openings in the running rails.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic locking system where a locking flap with a magnet on one sliding element interacts with an oppositely polarized magnet on an adjacent element, allowing for adjustable positioning without precise alignment and eliminating the need for through-openings, using tension springs and a pedal for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latching hook is attached to one of the profile rails to fix sliding elements, then security against burglary is improved, but the sliding elements cannot be moved independently and adjusted individually depending on weather and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented so that each sliding element can be locked independently to the frame rather than locking all elements together. The latching hook on the frame engages with individual sliding elements, allowing selective locking while maintaining the ability to adjust individual elements for thermal balance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each sliding element is equipped with a lock or bolt, then individual movement and positioning is improved, but production costs increase and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single latching hook mechanism on the frame. Instead of each sliding element having its own lock, the frame's latching hook can engage with any sliding element, providing individual locking capability without requiring multiple separate locking devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching hook is designed as a universal mechanism that can interact with multiple different sliding elements. A single latching hook structure serves the function of locking any individual sliding element to the frame, reducing the need for element-specific locking components.
3Ease of operation
If through-openings are incorporated into the running rails for lock alignment, then locking functionality is achieved, but water droplets from rain can penetrate into the interior of the room
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components are nested within the profile structure rather than requiring through-openings. The latching hook and engaging features are positioned inside the profile channels, allowing locking functionality while maintaining the weather-tight seal of the profile walls.
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 independent movement of sliding elements while maintaining a secure, watertight connection, reducing production costs and preventing water ingress, with a space-efficient design that allows for easy locking and unlocking.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet (12) is installed in the locking flap (11) and that a second magnet (13) with opposite polarity is provided in the adjacent sliding element (2), which is aligned with the first magnet (12) by moving the sliding elements (2) so that between the two magnets (12, 13) a magnetic attraction force is created
Implementation Method 2
the locking flap (11) is pivoted by means of the tension springs (15) provided in the starting position
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
In a sliding element arrangement (1) consisting of at least two sliding elements (2) and at least two guide rails (8) arranged in the direction of travel (7) of the sliding elements (2), on which the respective sliding elements (2) are held movable by means of rollers (10), the individual movable movement of the individual sliding element should be enabled and a simple locking of the sliding elements should be achieved without requiring an exact alignment of the respective sliding element.This is achieved by providing a locking flap (11) or a bolt (11') on at least one of the sliding elements (2), by providing a first magnet (12) on the locking flap (11) or the bolt (11'), by providing a second magnet (13) oriented with opposite poles in the adjacent sliding element (2), which can be moved into a position aligned with the first magnet (12) by moving the sliding elements (2), and by forming a magnetic attraction force between the two magnets (12, 13) that acts as a driving connection.