Lever action automatic shootbolt operator with magnetically-triggered locking mechanism

Abstract

A magnetically-triggered lock mechanism for interengaging two relatively movable components. The lock mechanism includes a bolt mounted within a first component composed of a first material and displaceable between retracted and extended positions to interengage with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended, and a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position. A support collar composed of a second material having higher strength than that of the first material is disposed around the bolt between an inner casing and outer casing of the first component and is spaced from the bolt to allow for sliding movement of the bolt through the support collar as the bolt moves between the extended and retracted positions. The support collar absorbs and distributes to the inner and/or outer casing a load generated from the bolt as the bolt moves to the extended position through the support collar. A second magnet is positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component.