Rotatable Magnet Assembly for Long-Range Magnetic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic locks face challenges in achieving secure magnetic coupling over long distances and minimizing the disruptive effects of strong magnetic fields, particularly in applications where spacings greater than 2 cm are required, and there are concerns about interference with medical devices and magnetic storage media.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic lock design utilizing two magnets with specific orientations to create a stronger magnetic far field in the closing position for secure coupling over greater distances, while weakening the field in the release position to minimize interference, using a rotatable magnet assembly with a permanent or soft magnetic latch element for enhanced security and reduced magnetic exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high field strength magnet is used to ensure secure magnetic coupling with the latch, then the magnetic coupling is improved, but unwanted effects on medical devices and magnetic storage media occur
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly is made rotatable between a first position (for secure locking) and a second position (for release). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the magnetic field to be concentrated and directed toward the latch when needed, while being dispersed when not in use, thereby maintaining reliable coupling only when necessary and reducing harmful interference otherwise.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field parameters (strength and direction) are changed by rotating the magnet assembly between two functional positions. In the first position, the magnetic field is oriented to maximize coupling with the latch for secure locking. In the second position, the field orientation changes to minimize its reach and impact on surrounding devices, thus adapting the field parameters to the operational requirements.
2Reliability
If the magnetic counterparts are placed in the immediate vicinity of the main magnet to improve magnetic coupling, then the coupling strength is improved, but the spacing flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable magnet assembly dynamically adjusts the concentration and direction of magnetic field lines. When rotated to the first position, the field is concentrated toward the latch, enabling secure coupling even at larger spacings. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliable magnetic coupling without requiring the latch to be in immediate vicinity of the magnets.
3Reliability
If a strong magnetic field is used to ensure secure locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the disruption to surrounding devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly operates periodically by rotating between a first position during locking operations (where strong magnetic field is needed) and a second position during release and idle states (where field disruption should be minimized). This periodic reconfiguration ensures strong locking reliability when required while reducing harmful field effects during non-operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field parameters are dynamically changed by rotating the magnet assembly. In the locking position, the field strength and direction are optimized for secure coupling with the latch. In the release position, the field parameters are adjusted to minimize their reach and disruptive effects on surrounding medical devices and magnetic storage media.
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
Enables secure magnetic coupling over longer distances with reduced magnetic field strength in the release position, minimizing interference with medical devices and magnetic storage media, and providing enhanced safety and aesthetic appeal through a visually integrated design.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet with a respective magnetic direction and a second magnet with a respective magnetic direction. The first magnet is rotatable between a release position with its magnetic direction generally parallel to and pointing oppositely to the magnetic direction of the second magnet for contracting a magnetic field formed by the first and second magnets, and a closing position generally parallel to and pointing the same as the magnetic direction of the second magnet for extending casting the magnetic field to the latch element for operating same
Implementation Method 2
two separate magnets of a magnet assembly taken individually each form an individual magnetic field. However, if these two magnets are brought into sufficient proximity, the two magnetic fields overlap and can be regarded as a common 'far field' if the spacings are sufficiently great
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic lock has a magnetically operable latch having a magnetically repellable or attractable latch element. A magnetic operating device spaced from the latch has a first magnet with a respective magnetic direction and a second magnet with a respective magnetic direction. The first magnet is rotatable between a latched position with its magnetic direction generally parallel to and pointing oppositely to the magnetic direction of the second magnet for contracting a magnetic field formed by the first and second magnets, and a release position generally parallel to and with its magnetic direction pointing the same as the second magnet for extending the magnetic field to and repelling or attracting the latch element.