Pivoting Magnet Security Latch for Lockbox

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lockboxes face challenges in providing secure and efficient access to stored keys, particularly in ensuring authorized access while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.

Innovation Solution

A locking module with a rotatable shaft and magnetic mechanism that allows for selective coupling and decoupling of components, utilizing a permanent magnet to bias the locking element between locked and unlocked positions, enabling secure and efficient operation through user input-driven rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional mechanical lockbox is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the security and efficiency of access to stored keys is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of accessVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based locking system. A magnet mounted on a rotatable shaft interacts with a magnetic locking element to secure the keybox, eliminating the need for complex mechanical springs, latches, or cam mechanisms while providing enhanced security through magnetic field control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field strength and orientation through rotation of the shaft to control the locking state. By rotating the shaft to different angular positions, the magnetic field interacts with the locking element to transition between locked and unlocked states, providing secure locking with simplified mechanics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a conventional lockbox mechanism is used, then the design is straightforward, but the locking and unlocking operations are not efficient and consume excessive energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking and unlocking efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical actuation systems with a low-energy magnetic field-based locking mechanism. The magnet on the rotatable shaft requires minimal energy to create and maintain the magnetic field, and the locking element responds passively to magnetic attraction/repulsion forces, dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to spring-loaded or cam-based mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism operates through periodic rotation of the shaft to discrete angular positions rather than continuous mechanical actuation. This periodic action allows the magnetic field to be activated only when needed for locking/unlocking, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Volume of moving object

If a conventional lockbox design is used, then the structure is simple, but the compactness and space efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidmechanical movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky mechanical components (springs, latches, cams, levers) with a compact magnetic field-based system consisting of a small magnet mounted on a rotatable shaft. This substitution dramatically reduces the overall volume of the locking mechanism while maintaining secure locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from three-dimensional mechanical movement (linear motion of springs and latches) to rotational movement of the shaft in a single dimension. This dimensional change allows the locking mechanism to achieve secure locking with minimal space, as the magnetic field interacts with the locking element through rotational positioning rather than requiring extensive linear travel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution provides secure access to stored keys while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design, ensuring efficient locking and unlocking operations with reduced energy consumption and minimal mechanical movement.

Implementation Method 1

A permanent magnet is arranged within said shaft to attract said locking element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a permanent magnet to bias the locking element between locked and unlocked positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11428026B2Pivoting magnet security latch

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A locking module (42) for selectively coupling a first component and a second component of a lockable device (20) includes a housing (44) and a locking element (62) movably connected to said housing (44) between a locked position and an unlocked position. A rotatable shaft (46) including a magnet (70) extends into said housing (44). The shaft (46) has an opening (66) complementary to a portion of said locking element (62). A biasing mechanism (64) is coupled to said locking element (62) to bias said locking element (62) towards said locked position. In said unlocked position, said locking element (62) is positioned within said opening (66) in said shaft (46).