Rotary Latch Sensor Integration for LED Status Indication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromechanical closures lack flexibility and ease of assembly in sensor integration, and do not effectively indicate the blocking state, limiting control possibilities.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system that detects the position of the blocking mechanism using a sliding shoe and magnetic field sensors, integrated with a rotary latch and sliding ramp, allowing contactless operation and flexible assembly, with an LED indication for blocking status and adjustable locking via a plunger or servomotor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sensor is integrated into the closure system to detect blocking position, then control possibilities and indication capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol possibilitiesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is integrated into the existing closure housing structure, with the sensor housing nested within the closure assembly. The sensor detects the blocking position of the tongue by monitoring its movement relative to the housing, allowing the sensor to be embedded without adding external complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic field sensor is used as an intermediary to detect the blocking position without direct mechanical contact. The sensor detects changes in magnetic field caused by the movement of magnetic elements attached to the tongue, providing non-contact detection that simplifies the mechanical structure while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a magnetic field sensor is used for contactless detection, then reliability and ease of operation are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical contact-based sensing system is replaced with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical switches or contacts that require physical interaction with moving parts, the invention uses magnetic field sensors that detect tongue position through non-contact means, eliminating wear and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the blocking position, provides feedback for control systems, and can indicate status through integration with display elements. This multi-functionality justifies the manufacturing complexity by providing enhanced reliability and control capabilities in a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If an LED module is integrated into the closure housing for status indication, then information feedback is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation feedbackVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LED module is merged with the closure housing structure, with the LED array integrated into the housing panel. The housing serves dual purposes as both the structural enclosure and the display substrate, eliminating the need for separate display components and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED module uses color changes to convey different status information about the closure state. Different LED colors indicate different blocking positions or operational states, providing intuitive visual feedback without requiring complex display electronics or multiple indicator components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

Enhances control possibilities by providing clear indication of the blocking state and flexible assembly, ensuring smooth operation and adaptable locking mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field sensor acting in a contactless manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a LED, together with LED control electronics, which indicates the convergence of the magnet and the magnetic field sensor by means of a light signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11193313B2Electromechanical closure having a rotary latch arrangement with an evaluatable door contact for controlling a display device such as an LED module

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 DIRAK DIETER RAMSAUER KONSTRUKTIONSELEMENTE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a closure system, comprising a locking arrangement, in particular a rotary latch arrangement for controlling a display device such as a LED module, comprising a sliding shoe, which is to be placed on the locking tongue of a rotary latch mounted in a door, for running onto a sliding ramp supported by the door frame, wherein said sliding shoe includes a housing with a recess for the insertion of alternatively a magnet or a magnetic field sensor acting in a contactless manner.