Window Closing Device Magnetic Mechanical Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window and door closing systems face limitations in versatility, as they either require the presence of a handle for unlocking or rely on magnetic induction with inconsistent force and alignment requirements, which can lead to unreliable locking and opening mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A closing device with a striker that can selectively switch between magnetic induction and mechanical interference modes, using a magnetic abutment system and a lock with a latch that moves between retracted and extracted positions, allowing for versatile operation and secure locking or retention of the panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If magnetic induction closing device is used to allow handle-free operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to insufficient attraction force and alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle-free operationVSAvoidlocking reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closing device is segmented into two independent systems: a magnetic induction system for ease of operation and a mechanical interference system for reliability. The latch can engage with the striker in two distinct ways: through magnetic attraction alone (for easy opening) or through mechanical interference when the striker protrudes into the latch's path (for secure locking). This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the engagement parameter between magnetic and mechanical modes based on the striker's position. When the striker is in the retracted position, magnetic induction operates for easy opening. When the striker protrudes, mechanical interference engages for secure locking. This parameter change allows the system to adapt between soft closing and secure locking states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic induction closing device is used to enable versatile design, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inconsistent magnetic force and alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign versatilityVSAvoidlocking consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closing device is segmented into two independent systems: a magnetic induction system for ease of operation and a mechanical interference system for reliability. The latch can engage with the striker in two distinct ways: through magnetic attraction alone (for easy opening) or through mechanical interference when the striker protrudes into the latch's path (for secure locking). This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The striker acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the magnetic induction system and the mechanical locking system. By adjusting the striker's position, the system can transition between magnetic-only engagement (for versatility) and mechanical interference engagement (for consistent reliability), with the striker serving as the controlling intermediary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If mechanical interference locking is used to ensure secure locking, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to handle requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges two previously separate functions into a single unified closing device: the magnetic induction closing system and the mechanical interference locking system. The latch and striker are designed to accommodate both magnetic engagement and mechanical interference within the same component structure, allowing the device to provide both secure locking and easy handle-free operation without requiring separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a versatile and reliable closing system that can operate either through magnetic interaction alone or mechanical interference, ensuring consistent locking and easy operation without the need for a handle, while maintaining the panel's position effectively.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic induction closing devices generally exploit the sole action of attraction of two opposite poles of respective permanent magnets which, in the closing configuration of the window and door, are mutually facing one another.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

Magnetic induction locks are also known that exploit the magnetic attraction action between the latch and the striker for the exit movement of the latch and for mechanically locking the panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3918158B1Closing device for windows and doors and window and door
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 ALBAN GIACOMO SPA
  • EP3918158B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3918158B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3918158B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A closing device (1) for windows and doors comprises a striker (3), a lock (2) and a front wall (13) adapted to selectively assume a locking configuration and a retaining configuration. A latch (5) can be moved along a direction of motion (X) between a retracted position and at least one extracted position with respect to a lock body (4). The movement of the latch according to a closing direction (X) is caused by the magnetic interaction between a magnetic abutment system and a magnetic closing system. In the locking configuration, a cavity (14) of the striker (3) is accessible through a front opening (15) for receiving an end portion (5a) of the latch (5) and generating a mechanical interference adapted to lock the panel (101). In the retaining configuration, the front wall (13) closes the front opening (15) and defines an abutment surface (12).