Magnetic Repulsion Latch for Misalignment-Tolerant Sliding Door Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door and window closing devices often require mechanical elements that can be vandalized, misused, or cause injuries, and do not accommodate angular misalignments without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
A latch device and lock system using magnetic repulsion to pivot a latch between retracted and protruding positions, eliminating mechanical components and allowing for angular misalignment without the need for adjustments, with magnets fixed to the latch and lock to create repulsive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical elements are used in door and window closing devices, then the structure can provide reliable locking, but the mechanical components can be vandalized, misused, or cause injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking components with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the door and frame interact through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces to achieve locking and unlocking functions, eliminating exposed mechanical elements that could be vandalized or cause injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the door and frame, transmitting locking forces without direct mechanical contact. This intermediate magnetic interaction reduces the need for exposed mechanical components while maintaining secure locking.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical locks are used, then secure closure is achieved, but adjustments are required when angular misalignments occur
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking system dynamically adapts to angular misalignments through the flexible nature of magnetic field interaction. The magnetic forces can accommodate varying angles and positions without requiring mechanical adjustments, as the field naturally adjusts to maintain attraction between the door and frame.
3Reliability
If mechanical components are used in the closure system, then locking function is provided, but noise and friction increase during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical contact-based locking with magnetic field-based locking. This eliminates the friction and noise associated with mechanical components moving against each other, as magnets interact through their magnetic fields without physical contact during the locking/unlocking cycle.
4Reliability
If protruding elements are present on the door surface, then mechanical locking can be achieved, but usability is reduced for individuals with reduced mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking system eliminates the need for protruding mechanical handles, knobs, or levers. Users can operate the door by simply pushing or pulling it, as the magnetic forces automatically engage and disengage the locking mechanism based on the door's position, greatly improving accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility.
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 system provides a secure, vandal-proof closure that accommodates misalignments, reduces noise and friction, and ensures smooth operation without protruding elements, enhancing usability for individuals with reduced mobility.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet arranged in the latch with a first magnetic pole oriented outwardly on said face to receive, preferably create, a magnetic repulsive force from a second magnetic pole, having the same polarity as the first pole and oriented opposite to the first magnetic pole, from another magnet placed in the lock so that the latch pivots from the retracted position to a protruding position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present description relates to a latch device for closure of a sliding door or window in a lock with clamp, comprising a latch and a latch case with said latch on one face of said case, wherein the latch pivots between a retracted position in the latch case and a protruding position from the latch case; wherein the pivoting latch comprises a magnet arranged in the latch with a first magnetic pole oriented outwardly on said face to create a magnetic repulsive force with a second magnetic pole, having the same polarity as the first pole and oriented opposite to the first magnetic pole, from another magnet placed in the lock so that the latch pivots from the retracted position to a protruding position to be locked by the clamp. It also relates to a lock with clamp comprising a lock case for receiving said latch on one face of said case, and comprising a magnet arranged in the lock with a first magnetic pole oriented outwardly on said face to create a magnetic repulsive force with a second magnetic pole, having the same polarity as the first pole and oriented opposite to the first magnetic pole, from another magnet placed on said latch so that the latch pivots from the retracted position to a protruding position to be locked by the clamp.