Sliding Door Latch Magnetic Locking Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding door handles and latches can be damaged when the latch is moved into a locked position and the door is closed or slammed, and they often compromise aesthetics with obtrusive functional features.

Innovation Solution

A sliding door handle and latch assembly with a magnetic locking mechanism that automatically biases into an unlocked position to prevent damage during closure, featuring a front face plate with an aperture for the strike and a locking member that engages magnetically with the strike to secure the door, allowing for easy operation as a finger pull and accommodating different door widths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the locking member is moved into a locked position before door closure, then the door can be secured, but the latch mechanism can be damaged when the door is closed or slammed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor securityVSAvoidlatch damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic strike is positioned to engage the locking member in advance before the door is fully closed, securing the door prior to the potentially damaging closure impact. This preliminary magnetic engagement prevents the locking member from being in a vulnerable position during door closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded locking member provides a cushioning effect by allowing controlled movement and absorption of impact forces. The spring mechanism absorbs the shock of door closure while maintaining the locked position, preventing damage to the latch mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If multiple functional features are added to the door hardware, then the locking mechanism can be more secure, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised with obtrusive features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanismVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic strike and locking mechanism are integrated into a unified, streamlined design where the magnetic components are concealed within the door hardware. The locking member is positioned to engage magnetically without requiring visible external features, merging security function with aesthetic form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical locking components with visible levers and springs are replaced with a magnetic locking system. The magnetic strike and locking member provide secure locking through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for obtrusive mechanical features while maintaining both security and aesthetic appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 prevents latch damage during closure and maintains an aesthetically pleasing design by ensuring the locking member is in an unlocked position until intentionally locked, enhancing user safety and convenience while maintaining a sleek appearance.

Implementation Method 1

said strike and a locking actuator are configured to co-operate magnetically such that said magnetic co-operation holds said locking member in said locked position against said bias

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic co-operation: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11591825B2Door latch

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 CAVITY SLIDERS

AI summary

A sliding door handle and strike assembly includes a locking member for engaging the strike to prevent the door from opening. The locking member is biased to an unlocked position, until it is moved into a locking position, in which magnetic co-operation acts to hold the locking member in the locking position.