Magnetic Door and Window Locking Mechanism for Concealed Automatic Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door and window locking devices have protruding elements that are aesthetically undesirable and require manual actuation for locking and unlocking, lacking automatic adjustment and secure closure.
Innovation Solution
A closing/locking device with a male locking element that is automatically extracted by magnetic attraction and held in place using variable cross-section holding means, ensuring secure closure without protrusion and allowing for manual release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the latch is configured to protrude from the door or window when open, then the locking mechanism can be simple and visible, but it creates aesthetic unpleasantness and mechanical issues with protruding elements hitting other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The male locking element is nested within the door or window frame when not in use, and only protrudes temporarily during the locking operation. The holding means structure allows the male element to be contained within the first part while still enabling its extraction toward the female element for locking engagement, eliminating permanent protrusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The male locking element transitions from a static nested position to a dynamic extracted position during locking operation. The holding means with variable cross-section allows this dynamic movement, enabling the element to be contained when not needed and extracted when required for locking engagement.
2Device complexity
If manual actuation is required to move the male locking element and lock the device, then the mechanism can be simple, but it reduces ease of operation and requires user intervention for each locking action
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attraction force automatically extracts the male locking element toward the female element without requiring manual actuation. The system uses the magnetic field generated by the magnet in the second part to automatically perform the locking action when the door or window is closed, eliminating the need for user intervention to move the male element.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical actuation is replaced by a magnetic field-based automatic extraction system. The magnet in the second part generates magnetic attraction force that automatically moves the male locking element from its nested position to the locked position, substituting manual mechanical operation with automatic magnetic actuation.
3Extent of automation
If the male locking element is extracted automatically using magnetic attraction, then automatic locking is achieved, but additional components (magnet, holding means) increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet and holding means are integrated into the second part structure, combining multiple functions into a single component assembly. The holding means with variable cross-section is integrated with the cavity structure, allowing the male element to be automatically extracted and held in place without requiring separate complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means utilizes a variable cross-section cavity that changes its geometric parameters to control the male locking element's movement and positioning. The cavity's cross-sectional area varies to enable automatic extraction while maintaining secure holding, using geometric parameter changes rather than additional complex components.
4Reliability
If holding means are used to prevent return of the male locking element, then secure locking is ensured, but the mechanism becomes more complex with additional retention components
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means creates a localized retention zone within the cavity structure using variable cross-section geometry. The specific geometric configuration of the cavity provides the holding function only in the specific region where the male locking element is positioned, rather than requiring complex retention mechanisms throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means replicates the function of a traditional retention mechanism using a simplified variable cross-section cavity design. Instead of using complex mechanical retention components, the cavity's geometric shape copies the retaining function, providing secure holding with minimal structural complexity.
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 device provides a secure, automatic, and aesthetically pleasing locking mechanism that maintains closure without manual operation, eliminating protrusions and ensuring smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
the male locking element is attracted by the magnet towards the second part
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4C
Figure 5A~6A
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (1000, 11000, 12000) for closing a door and/or window with respect to a jamb, comprising: a first part (1100, 2100, 7100, 9100, 10100, 11100, 12100) mountable on one between the door and/or window and the jamb, a second part (1200, 3200, 4200, 5200, 11200) mountable on the other one between the door and/or window and the jamb, wherein the first part (1100, 2100, 7100, 9100, 10100, 11100, 12100) comprises a male locking element (2110) which is movable with respect to the first part (1100, 2100, 7100, 9100, 10100, 11100, 12100), wherein the second part (1200, 3200, 4200, 5200, 11200) comprises a female locking element (3210) and a magnet (3220), wherein the locking device (1000, 11000, 12000) is configured so that the male locking element (2110) is attracted by the magnet (3220) towards the second part (1200, 3200, 4200, 5200, 11200).