Automatic Window Closing System with Magnetic Switch Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic closing systems for windows and doors face issues with safety, reliability, and calibration due to protruding elements, limited material compatibility, and variable distances between lock-body and counter-plate, leading to accidental unlocking and inefficient operation with ferromagnetic face-plates.
Innovation Solution
An automatic closing system utilizing a magnetic interaction between a first member on the fixed frame and a switch on the door or window leaf, with a second member fixed to the lock-body, allowing for magnetic attraction to activate the switch and control the release of closing means, independent of distance and material type, ensuring secure and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button projects from the face-plate of the lock-body to activate the unblocking mechanism, then automatic closure can be achieved, but safety is compromised allowing accidental or deliberate unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic element is extracted from the protruding button configuration and integrated directly into the counter-plate, eliminating the need for a projecting element that could be accidentally actuated. The magnetic field penetrates through the face-plate material to activate the unblocking mechanism without requiring physical contact from the outside.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the counter-plate and the unblocking mechanism, transferring the activation force without requiring a physical projecting element. This allows the system to maintain security while achieving automatic closure activation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lock-body face-plate is made of ferromagnetic material, then the magnetic closing system can function, but the retracted position of the magnet compromises magnetic attraction intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical protruding button system with a magnetic field-based activation system. The magnetic field can penetrate ferromagnetic face-plate materials to activate the unblocking mechanism without being significantly impeded by the face-plate material itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the activation parameter from mechanical contact (requiring a protruding element) to magnetic field interaction (which can penetrate through the face-plate). This allows the magnet to remain in a retracted position while still achieving sufficient activation force through the face-plate material.
3Length of stationary object
If magnets of greater power are used to compensate for maximum distance, then automatic closure can be achieved, but bolts may release before the door is completely aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic activation system provides inherent feedback through the face-plate material interaction. The magnetic field strength naturally varies with distance and alignment, activating the unblocking mechanism only when the door is properly aligned and at the correct distance, preventing premature activation.
Solution Approach 2:
Replacing the mechanical protruding button system with a magnetic field system eliminates the need for precise mechanical positioning and calibration. The magnetic field naturally adapts to distance variations while maintaining reliable activation when properly aligned.
4Extent of automation
If a protruding button is used to activate the unblocking mechanism, then automatic closure is enabled, but the system becomes vulnerable to tampering and accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable protruding button is extracted and replaced with a magnetic field-based activation system. The magnetic element in the counter-plate activates the unblocking mechanism through the face-plate material without requiring external physical contact, eliminating the tampering vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary that can penetrate the face-plate material to activate the unblocking mechanism without requiring a physical interface that could be accessed from the outside, thereby preventing tampering and accidental activation.
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, reliable, and adjustable automatic closing mechanism that functions with both ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic face-plates, maintaining consistent magnetic interaction and preventing accidental unlocking, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a second member, preferably a magnet, fixed to the lock-body so that, when the lock-body is proximal to the counter-plate, the second member exerts an attraction force on the first member so as to near the first member to the lock-body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An automatic system (1) for closing windows or doors, comprising a counter-plate (2) installable on a fixed frame and provided with a first member (3) that is mobile with respect to the counter-plate (2). The system further comprises a lock-body (20) installable on a door or window leaf and provided with closing means (4) mobile between a release configuration, in which the closing means (4) engage the counter-plate (20), and a retained configuration, in which the closing means (4) are maintained internally of the lock-body (20) and do not engage the counter-plate (2). A switch (5) is housed in the lock-body (20) for activating a switching of the closing means (4) at least between the retained configuration and the release configuration. The system comprises a second member (6) solidly fixed to the lock-body (20) so that, when the lock-body (20) is proximal to the counter-plate (2), said second member (6) exchanges, with the first member (3), an attraction force of a magnetic type (3) which nears said first member (3) to the lock-body (20) so that it interacts magnetically with the switch (5) for activating the automatic switching of the closing means (4) between the retained configuration and the release configuration, said switch (5) being distinct and separated from said second member (6).