Appliance Panel Locking Lever with Automatic Opening for Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closing and opening devices for electrical household appliances, such as washing machines, require user intervention to open the panel and do not allow for automatic opening after the washing cycle is complete, which can lead to delayed drying and potential bad smells, and do not permit opening from inside the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A closing and opening device with a locking lever that can be rotated and translated, allowing the panel to be opened by pushing from inside or automatically at the end of a cycle, using a solenoid and switching mechanisms to release the locking lever and opening element, enabling spontaneous and automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional closing and opening device with a locking lever is used, then the panel can be securely closed and locked, but the panel cannot be opened automatically or from inside the appliance
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is designed to automatically release when the closing and opening element rotates from the closed position to the open position. The system serves itself by using the rotational motion of the closing element to trigger the release mechanism without requiring external intervention or additional actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the closing element and locking lever into a single integrated mechanism. The closing element that rotates to close the panel also engages with the locking lever to release it, merging the closing and opening functions into one unified system that eliminates the need for separate opening mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the panel remains closed after the washing cycle, then the appliance maintains security, but drying is delayed and bad smells may develop
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is pre-positioned to engage with the closing element in such a way that when the closing element rotates to the open position, the lever automatically releases. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the panel opens immediately when the washing cycle completes, enabling prompt drying and preventing bad smells without requiring additional sensors or control systems.
3Extent of automation
If a complex switching mechanism is added to enable automatic opening, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element itself serves as the switching mechanism. Its rotational motion directly engages and disengages the locking lever without requiring separate switches, sensors, or control circuits. The system uses its own operational motion to trigger the release, eliminating the need for additional automated components.
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
Enables safe, reliable, and automatic opening of the panel from inside or outside, reducing the need for user intervention and facilitating efficient drying by allowing panel opening after the washing cycle is complete, while maintaining compliance with safety regulations and simplicity of installation.
Implementation Method 1
using a solenoid and switching mechanisms to release the locking lever and opening element
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A closing and opening device (1000) for doors and/or panels and/or similar components, in particular of electrical household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar electrical household appliances, said device comprising a closing and opening assembly (100) comprising a closing and opening element (110) adapted to be alternatively engaged and disengaged by a striker latch (200) adapted to be rigidly fixed to said panel, wherein said closing and opening element (110) can be switched by rotation about a first rotation axis (A) between a first position and a second position, wherein the reciprocal engagement arising from pushing said striker latch (200) against said closing and opening element (110) results in a first switching by rotation of said closing and opening element (110) from said first position to said second position, wherein said closing and opening assembly (100) comprises a locking lever (112) which can be switched by rotation about a second rotation axis (B), and wherein the switching by rotation of said closing and opening element (110) from said first position to said second position results in the rotation of said locking lever (112) between a first position and a second position in which it engages and locks said closing and opening element (110) in said second closing position.