Sliding Door Locking Mechanism with Magnetic Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closing devices for sliding doors/windows require complex movements to engage and release, are not safe, and have projecting parts that can cause misalignment and aesthetic issues, as well as pose risks when open.
Innovation Solution
A closing device featuring a removable male locking element on the jamb and a female locking element with variable cross section and interference elements, allowing automatic engagement with a simple movement and magnetic assistance for easy release, designed to be manufactured economically with no projecting parts when open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hook is used to engage with a housing for closing the sliding door/window, then the closing function is achieved, but the release requires complex circular movement combined with thrusting movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate male and female locking elements that can engage and disengage independently. The female locking element is segmented into a body and a movable locking portion, allowing simple linear release motion instead of complex circular movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the hook to be actively manipulated in a circular motion for release, the invention inverts the mechanism so that the locking portion can be simply pushed linearly to disengage. The release direction is reversed from the engagement direction, allowing easy opening by pushing in the opening direction.
2Reliability
If a hook projects from the door/window or jamb, then engagement is possible, but the projecting parts pose safety risks and aesthetic issues when open
Solution Approach 1:
The male locking element is extracted from the door/window body and positioned separately on the jamb. This removes the projecting part from the door/window, eliminating safety risks and aesthetic issues while maintaining engagement functionality through the female locking element on the door/window.
Solution Approach 2:
The male locking element can be nested within the jamb structure when not in use, and the female locking element receives the male element during engagement. This nesting approach allows the locking mechanism to be compact and non-protruding when open.
3Reliability
If the sliding door/window moves downwards over time causing misalignment, then the closing device operation is prevented, but using traditional fixed alignment systems increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with dynamic adjustment capability. The male and female locking elements can accommodate certain misalignments through their engagement geometry, and the movable locking portion in the female element can adjust to maintain proper engagement despite door/window movement over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement parameters of the locking elements are designed to tolerate dimensional changes. The variable cross-section of the female locking element and the geometry of the male element allow for parameter adjustments that compensate for misalignment caused by door/window movement.
4Ease of operation
If magnetic materials are used for movable positioning of the male locking element, then easy extraction is achieved, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic force is used to replace complex mechanical spring systems or actuators for positioning and extracting the male locking element. The magnetic attraction and repulsion forces provide automatic positioning and easy extraction without requiring additional mechanical components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 automatic locking and easy release with a single movement direction, ensuring safety and alignment, while eliminating projecting parts for improved aesthetics and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
by using magnetic materials for at least part of the male locking element and/or for parts of the closing device in the sliding door/window, it is advantageously possible to position the male locking element into the jamb in a movable manner, so that the male locking element is extracted from the jamb as the door/window approaches the jamb itself, thanks to the magnetic attraction force.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a closing device (1000) for a sliding door/window (1), comprising: a first portion (1100) suited to be mounted on a jamb (2) of the door/window (1), a second portion (1200) suited to be mounted on the door/window (1), wherein the first portion (1100) comprises a male locking element (1120), wherein the second portion (1200) comprises a female locking element (1210), wherein the female locking element (1210) comprises an element with variable cross section (1211) in which the male locking element (1120) can be inserted, wherein the female locking element (1210) comprises one or more interference elements (1213) suited to be positioned between the element with variable cross section (121 1) and the male locking element (1120), wherein the female locking element (1210) comprises a release element (1212) configured so as to act on the one or more interference elements (1213).