Magnetic Slide Latch for Elevator Control Box Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator control housings require service personnel to carry specific keys or accessories for maintenance, complicating and slowing down the service process due to mechanically operated latching mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically operable elevator control box with a latching system using an interiorly displaceable magnet, allowing quick access with a portable external magnet, which is easily retrofitted to existing housings without significant modifications, featuring a resilient latching block and magnetic locking pin for secure and efficient unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanically operated latching mechanism is used in elevator control housings, then the housing can be securely locked, but service personnel must carry specific keys or accessories which complicates and slows down the service process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-operated latching mechanism with a magnetic latching system. The control housing uses a magnetic latch that can be actuated by a portable magnet carried by service personnel, eliminating the need for complex mechanical keys or accessories. This substitution maintains secure locking while dramatically simplifying the unlocking process - service personnel simply bring a magnet close to the housing to release the latch, significantly reducing service access time while preserving security.
2Productivity
If a magnetic latching system is implemented, then service access is simplified and sped up, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex mechanical operating elements (keys, levers, springs, cam mechanisms) from the latching system and replaces them with a simple magnetic field interaction. The magnetic latch consists of basic components: a magnetic element in the housing and a corresponding magnetic actuator. This extraction of complexity dramatically simplifies the device structure while maintaining or improving service access speed. The system becomes more intuitive - no specialized keys or complex sequences are needed, just a magnet brought close to the housing.
3Productivity
If existing control housings are retrofitted with magnetic latching, then service efficiency is improved, but significant modifications to mounting surfaces may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the magnetic latching system with universal adaptability to existing control housing types. The magnetic latch components are configured to work with standard mounting configurations without requiring custom modifications to wall openings or mounting surfaces. The system can be installed on various housing styles and sizes, making it highly versatile for retrofit applications. This universality allows facilities to improve service efficiency across multiple locations using the same retrofit approach, avoiding costly custom fabrication work.
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
Facilitates quick and secure access to internal components for maintenance and repairs, simplifying the process while maintaining security and aesthetic appeal, without requiring substantial modifications to the mounting surface or cutting the wall.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic locking pin yieldably disposed within a throughbore penetrating the latch block perpendicular to the locking recess. The magnetic locking pin is normally magnetically attracted to the mounting plate tab when the access door is closed
Implementation Method 2
The access door may be opened by displacing the magnetic locking pin with an external magnet, such as a rare earth magnet, carried and used by service personnel
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator call box with internal, concealable latching mechanism comprises an internally disposed, cylindrical magnetic pin with a relatively low pull force that is slidably displaceable by an larger, external magnetic force supplied by a service technician. When the access door is closed, magnetic pin penetrates an orifice in a locking tab to lock the call box. The pin magnet is normally attracted to an adjacent, magnetically attractive clip snap-fitted to a latching block. The latch is externally disengaged via a stronger portable magnet carried by service personnel. The larger magnetic pull force of the portable magnet slidably displaces the smaller magnetic latch pin, freeing the locking tab to permit pivotal opening of the access door. Once the stronger magnet is moved away, the smaller magnetic pin, which is attracted magnetically to the clip, will return to it's rest position penetrating the locking tab and locking the control.