Appliance Door Lock Mechanism for Low-Force Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locks for home appliances require equal force to fix and separate the door from the cabinet, leading to excessive force needed to close the introduction port during operation, which can prevent safe opening and closing, especially under increased pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lock design with a fastening unit and holder that allows for different forces to close and open the introduction port, utilizing a reciprocating actuation unit, elastic members, and sensing units to ensure secure coupling and easy operation, with a mechanism to prevent fastening unit dislocation and generate a sound signal for door closure confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock is designed to provide sufficient fastening force to prevent door separation during operation, then the door can be securely fixed to the cabinet, but excessive force is required by the user to close the introduction port
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is divided into two distinct functional units: a fastening unit for securing the door during operation, and a holder for coupling during closing. The fastening unit includes a fastening body with a fastening protrusion that engages with a stopper, while the holder includes a coupling protrusion that engages with a coupling recess. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, enabling secure fastening without requiring excessive closing force.
Solution Approach 2:
Different structural characteristics are applied to different parts of the lock mechanism. The fastening unit features a fastening protrusion with specific geometric properties optimized for high-strength engagement during operation, while the holder features a coupling protrusion with properties optimized for easy engagement during door closing. This local differentiation of structural qualities allows the lock to provide sufficient fastening force while requiring minimal closing force from the user.
2Ease of operation
If the holder and fastening unit are designed for easy coupling, then the door can be easily closed, but the fastening unit may become dislocated
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation unit is designed to automatically perform preliminary actions that guide the fastening unit into proper alignment before coupling occurs. The actuation unit includes an actuating member that moves between a first position (for coupling) and a second position (for fastening). During the transition from first to second position, the actuation unit preliminarily positions the fastening body and fastening protrusion, ensuring they are correctly aligned with the holder and coupling recess before final engagement. This preliminary positioning action prevents dislocation while maintaining easy coupling operation.
3Device complexity
If a conventional lock uses equal force for fixing and separating the door, then the structure is simple, but the user must apply excessive force to close the introduction port during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism employs dynamic characteristics through the actuation unit that moves between distinct positions. The actuating member transitions from a first position (where the fastening unit is disengaged and coupling is easy) to a second position (where the fastening unit is engaged and secure fastening occurs). This dynamic operation allows the lock to provide different force characteristics during different phases of operation: minimal force required for closing/coupling, and high fastening force during operation. The elastic member further enhances this dynamic behavior by providing flexible force adaptation during the transition phases.
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 lock reduces the force required to close the introduction port, prevents fastening unit dislocation, and provides a sound signal for user confirmation, ensuring secure operation and easy handling, even under increased pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member for providing force necessary to move the fastening unit away from the introduction port
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic member for providing force necessary to move the actuation unit toward the introduction port
Data Source
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AI summary
A lock and a home appliance having the same are disclosed. The lock includes a holder provided at one selected from between a cabinet and a door, a housing provided at the other selected from between the cabinet and the door, a first stopper provided at the housing, an actuation unit configured to reciprocate in the housing, the actuation unit being moved away from the introduction port by the holder when the door to the introduction port is closed, a fastening unit supported by the first stopper, the fastening unit being separated from the first stopper and coupled to the holder when the actuation unit is moved away from the introduction port, a first elastic member for providing force necessary to move the fastening unit away from the introduction port, and a second elastic member for providing force necessary to move the actuation unit toward the introduction port.