Lock and home appliance having the same
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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 proper sealing and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A lock design with a holder and fastening unit that allows for easier coupling and decoupling, featuring an actuation unit, elastic members, and a sensing unit to reduce the force required to close the introduction port and prevent dislocation, while generating a sound signal for closure confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conventional lock provides sufficient fastening force to prevent the door from being separated during operation, then the door remains securely closed, but the user must apply excessive force to close the introduction port
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is divided into two separate functional units: a fastening unit that provides strong retention force to prevent door separation during operation, and an actuation unit that requires minimal force for closing. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently - the fastening unit engages only after closing to provide secure fastening, while the actuation unit facilitates easy door closure without requiring excessive user force.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism transitions dynamically between different states: during door closure, the actuation unit engages first with minimal force requirement; after closure, the fastening unit engages to provide strong retention. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt its force characteristics based on the operational phase, resolving the contradiction between ease of closing and security during operation.
2Ease of operation
If the holder and fastening unit are designed for easy coupling, then the door can be closed with minimal force, but the fastening unit may become dislocated
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation unit is designed to engage the holder first during the closing sequence, establishing the basic coupling with minimal force. Only after this preliminary engagement is achieved does the fastening unit engage to provide secure retention. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and positioning before the stronger fastening force is applied, preventing dislocation while maintaining ease of coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation unit serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user's closing action and the fastening unit's engagement. It mediates the coupling process by first establishing connection with the holder, guiding the fastening unit into proper position, and then allowing the fastening unit to engage securely. This intermediary role ensures reliable positioning while maintaining ease of operation.
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 needed to close the introduction port, ensures secure fastening even when the fastening unit is dislocated, and provides a sensing mechanism for door closure detection, enhancing user convenience and appliance operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member for providing necessary force to move the fastening unit away from the introduction port when the fastening unit is separated from the first stopper
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic member for providing necessary force to move the actuation unit toward the introduction port
Data Source
AI summary
A lock and a home appliance having the same are disclosed. The lock includes a holder provided at one selected from between the cabinet and the door, a housing provided at the other selected from between the cabinet and the door, a first stopper provided at the housing, a fastening unit separably coupled to the first stopper so as to be coupled to the holder when separated from the first stopper, an actuation unit configured to reciprocate in the housing, the actuation unit being configured to be moved away from the introduction port in the state of contacting the holder when the door is moved so as to close the introduction port, the actuation unit being configured to separate the fastening unit from the first stopper while being moved away from the introduction port, a first elastic member for providing force necessary to move the fastening unit away from the introduction port when the fastening unit is separated from the first stopper, a second elastic member for providing force necessary to move the actuation unit toward the introduction port, and an actuation unit lock for fixing the actuation unit to the housing when not in contact with the door and releasing coupling between the actuation unit and the housing when in contact with the door.