Single Magnet Magnetic Lock for Utility Carts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility carts in hospital settings require frequent unlocking and locking of cabinets and lock boxes, which is inefficient and may pose safety risks due to the need for multiple interactions with the locking mechanism during cleaning tasks.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic lock system utilizing a single magnet biased by ferromagnetic positioners, allowing the latch to be drawn into the housing with a ferromagnetic key, enabling efficient opening and locking without the need for multiple pole interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional magnetic latch system with multiple magnets and poles is used, then the locking mechanism can be reliably engaged and disengaged, but the complexity of the locking system increases and requires multiple interactions to open and close
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple magnets and complex pole interactions by using a single magnet that can be easily attracted to and repelled from the latch positioner, simplifying the overall locking system while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple magnets to achieve locking and unlocking, the invention inverts the approach by using a single magnet whose interaction with a ferromagnetic positioner provides both locking and unlocking functions through simple proximity changes
2Reliability
If a traditional magnetic latch requires multiple pole interactions, then the locking can be secure, but the time required for opening and closing operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming multiple pole interaction sequence and replaces it with a single magnet that responds instantly to proximity changes, achieving both secure locking and rapid operation
Solution Approach 2:
The single magnet is pre-positioned within the latch assembly, ready to immediately engage or disengage from the ferromagnetic positioner based on simple proximity changes, eliminating the need for sequential pole interactions
3Device complexity
If a single magnet is used in the latch assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the magnetic field strength may be insufficient for reliable locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ferromagnetic positioner as an intermediary that enhances the magnetic field interaction, allowing a single magnet to generate sufficient force for reliable locking through the positioner's ferromagnetic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system combines a single magnet with ferromagnetic positioner material to create a composite magnetic field interaction that provides both simplicity and sufficient locking force
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 magnetic lock system simplifies the locking process, reducing the number of interactions required to access and secure cleaning chemicals and tools, enhancing safety and efficiency by allowing the latch to be easily opened and locked with a single ferromagnetic key.
Implementation Method 1
The positioner is longer than the magnet, such that the magnetic field biases the magnet to locate at the center of the length of the latch positioner
Implementation Method 2
when a 'key' of a ferromagnetic, or optionally magnetic, material, is located near the base of the housing, the magnet and its associated latch are drawn further into the housing a sufficient distance that the latch is drawn out of the way of an associated catch
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic lock which requires only a single magnet for operation, yet which is biased into a locking position. A latch is slideably mounted in a slide way defined by a housing with a latch opening at one end. The latch comprises a magnet at its base, and a latch positioner of ferromagnetic material is positioned within the housing alongside the latch. The positioner is longer than the magnet, such that the magnetic field biases the magnet to locate at the center of the length of the latch positioner. The latch itself is sufficiently long that it projects beyond the latch opening of the housing when the magnet is allowed to center. The slide way is open below the magnet a sufficient distance that when a “key” of a ferromagnetic, or optionally magnetic, material, is located near the base of the housing, the magnet and its associated latch are drawn further into the housing a sufficient distance that the latch is drawn out of the way of an associated catch.