Traditional mechanical door locks rely on manual operation—either with keys or latches—to secure the door. While widely used, they come with limitations such as human error (forgetting to lock the door), wear and tear over time, and lack of integration with smart home systems. In contrast, digital door locks offer convenience and enhanced security by allowing features such as auto-locking, remote access, and integration with smart devices. One key feature of digital locks is the ability to automatically lock when the door is closed, eliminating the need for user intervention.
For auto-locking to work reliably, the system must accurately detect when the door is fully closed. If the door isn’t closed properly and the lock is activated prematurely, it can lead to mechanical stress or security gaps. Sensing the closed position is critical in ensuring both safety and lock longevity. Many battery-powered digital locks rely on simple yet effective sensing mechanisms to determine when to engage the lock. A reliable and energy-efficient way to accomplish this is through the use of magnet sensors.
In this application, a small magnet is mounted behind a spring-loaded pin sticking out the door frame. When the door closes, the pin is pushed in, bringing the magnet close to the magnet sensor located within the lock housing. The proximity of the magnet actuates the sensor, which then sends a signal to the lock’s microcontroller to activate the motor mechanism, engaging the bolt and auto-locking the door. Because magnet sensors do not require continuous power to operate and are only active when triggered, they are ideal for battery-powered smart locks. This ensures long battery life and consistent, secure locking every time the door is closed, combining convenience with enhanced home security.
🧰 Application Classification
Applications are classified as Position Sensing, Pulse Counting, Electromagnetic or Relay, Temperature Sensing or Magnet Biasing types. This door auto-locking application is classified as follows and the link gives more information on best practices to help select the most suitable AT band and matching magnet.
✅ Recommended Products
The Reed Switches and Magnet Sensors used in door auto-locking applications need to be robust, durable and efficient in meeting a high life expectancy. Our engineers work hard in life testing our products under various conditions, and our intention is to ensure end product durability and life. Although we wouldn’t want to restrict any of our products for use in only certain applications, the recommended products for use in this application are listed below.
