Magnetic Sliding Closure Assembly for Low-Force Cooling Cabinets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling device closure arrangements face challenges such as high displacement forces, increased costs, susceptibility to damage, and logistical complexities due to the use of rollers and motor-driven systems, which make them difficult to operate and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A closure arrangement using magnetic attraction between the closure element and guide element, with permanent or electromagnets made from hard-magnetic materials, reduces displacement forces by counteracting natural weight and normal forces, allowing for easy movement and reduced wear, and can be integrated into existing openings with minimal additional costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rollers with ball bearings are used to guide closure elements, then movement of cover parts is improved and friction is reduced, but displacement forces for closure elements become very high and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical roller system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the closure element interact with ferromagnetic guide elements to provide guidance and reduce friction without the mechanical contact and high displacement forces associated with rollers and ball bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental interaction mechanism from mechanical contact (rollers) to magnetic field interaction. This parameter change allows the closure element to be guided along the opening edge with significantly reduced displacement forces, as the magnetic attraction provides both guidance and reduced friction without mechanical resistance.
2Extent of automation
If motor-driven closure arrangements are used, then automatic movement of sliding lids is achieved, but acquisition and maintenance costs increase and susceptibility to faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the magnetic field automatically guides the closure element along the opening edge during movement. The magnetic attraction between the magnets in the closure element and the ferromagnetic guide elements provides continuous guidance without requiring external motors, controllers, or complex drive mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If roller conveyors are used for guidance, then cover parts can be moved smoothly, but dust and fine-grained materials get into the rollers leading to increased displacement forces and blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the enclosed mechanical roller conveyor system that is susceptible to contamination by dust and fine-grained materials. Instead, it uses an open magnetic field-based guidance system where ferromagnetic guide elements along the opening edge interact with magnets in the closure element, providing smooth movement without enclosed spaces where contaminants can accumulate and cause blocking.
4Reliability
If heavy closure arrangements are used to ensure secure closing, then sealing is improved, but displacement forces increase making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the interaction parameter from mechanical weight and friction to magnetic field strength. The magnetic attraction between the magnets in the closure element and the ferromagnetic guide elements provides both the force needed for secure closing and sealing, and simultaneously reduces the displacement forces required for movement, as the magnetic field can be optimized independently of the closure element's weight.
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 magnetic closure arrangement significantly reduces displacement forces by up to 95%, decreases wear on components, and allows for cost-effective production and retrofitting, while maintaining a secure and airtight seal, thus enhancing operational efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one free end of the closure element and the guide element are held by at least one magnet (5) including hard-magnetic and/or soft-magnetic materials with which the guide element is in operative connection
Implementation Method 2
the guide element consisting at least partially of a ferromagnetic material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a closure arrangement (1) for an opening in a cabinet, a refrigerator, a building and the like, having at least one closure element (4) which is guided in a moveable manner, in particular in or on at least one guide element (3), over the opening (2), characterized in that at least one free end of the closure element and/or one free end of the guide element are operatively connected to one another by means of a magnetic attraction force, provided by at least one magnet.