Appliance Lock Voltage-Encoded Wiring to Reduce Harness Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lock mechanisms in washing machines require multiple independent electrical conductors to detect various switch states, increasing the complexity and cost of the wiring harness.
Innovation Solution
Encoding multiple switch states into distinct electrical levels that can be conveyed over a single wire using resistors and an analog-to-digital converter, allowing for redundant switch signals without excessive wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple independent electrical conductors are used to detect switch states, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent electrical conductors into a single shared signal wire that carries encoded information from multiple switches (door position switch and lock sensing switch). The encoding circuit translates multiple switch states into distinct electrical levels on this single wire, eliminating the need for separate conductors for each switch while maintaining accurate state detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage levels or current levels) on the shared signal wire to encode different switch states. By varying these electrical parameters based on the combination of switch states, the system conveys multiple pieces of information through a single conductor, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple independent electrical conductors are used to detect switch states, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate wiring paths into a single shared signal wire with an encoding circuit. This reduction in the number of conductors directly lowers manufacturing costs and simplifies the wiring harness assembly process while the encoding mechanism ensures that all switch states are still reliably detected and transmitted to the control circuit.
3Measurement precision
If separate switches are used to detect locked and unlocked states, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the output signals from separate switches (door position switch and lock sensing switch) into a single encoded signal on one wire. The encoding circuit processes the states of multiple switches and translates them into distinct electrical levels, maintaining the ability to accurately detect lock state while reducing wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared signal wire serves multiple functions: it carries encoded information from both the door position switch and the lock sensing switch simultaneously. This multi-functional use of a single conductor eliminates the need for separate dedicated wires for each switch, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection precision.
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
This approach reduces the cost and complexity of wiring while ensuring accurate communication of switch states and enabling energy-efficient actuators, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of the lock mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A first and second resistor each having different unique values are each attached to a corresponding one of the door position switch and the lock sensing switch so that corresponding switches control current through the corresponding attached resistors
Data Source
AI summary
A lock system for an appliance providing multiple detection switches for lid closure and lid locking encodes the switch states as different voltages on a single signal line to reduce wiring harness costs.