Auto-open door lock apparatus for home appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock devices for home appliances, such as washing machines and dryers, have complex configurations and high failure rates, which can compromise their reliability and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
An auto-open door lock device with a simplified configuration, featuring a motor-driven mechanism that includes a locker, clutch gear, locker spring, rack slide, and pinion gear, allowing for stable locking and unlocking operations with reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a driving unit with cam protrusion and sensing member is used to detect locking/unlocking operations, then the door lock device can automatically detect door status, but the overall configuration and control become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from a separate sensing member and integrates it into the door lock body itself. The cam protrusion is eliminated, and the door status is detected directly through the position of the door lock slider relative to the door lock groove, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the driving unit and sensing functions into a single integrated structure. The door lock slider serves both as the actuating component and the sensing element, eliminating the need for separate sensing members and reducing structural complexity.
2Device complexity
If a manual control method is adopted for door lock operation, then the device structure can be simplified, but user convenience is reduced as it requires user action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic door opening functionality. When the washing machine cycle completes, the control unit automatically activates the motor to rotate the door lock slider, causing the door to open without requiring user intervention. This maintains simple structure while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by triggering the automatic door opening only at specific moments - when the washing machine operation is terminated. The control unit receives termination signals and activates the motor at this predetermined time, combining automation with simple periodic control.
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 auto-open door lock device achieves a simpler structure, lower manufacturing costs, improved durability, and a compact design, while also enhancing user convenience by reducing the likelihood of device failure.
Implementation Method 1
a locker spring configured to connect to one side of the locker and to provide a rotational restoring force to the locker
Implementation Method 2
a motor installed in the main body cover to provide a driving force
Implementation Method 3
a rack slide configured to provide a rotational force of the motor to the locker through the clutch gear; and a pinion gear configured to transmit the rotational force of the motor to the rack slide
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-open door lock apparatus including a main body cover having a space therein, and a motor installed inside the main body cover to provide a driving force. The auto-open door lock apparatus further includes at least: a locker which is coupled to or separates from a hook that is introduced from the outside through rotation; a locker shaft having one end connected to the locker, and formed in the center of rotation of the locker; a clutch gear connected to the other end of the locker shaft to induce rotation of the locker; a locker spring connected to one side of the locker to provide a rotational restoring force to the locker; a rack slide which provides a rotational force of the motor to the locker through the clutch gear; and a pinion gear which transmits the rotational force of the motor to the rack slide.