Auto-Open Door Lock Assembly for Heat-Stable Appliance Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock devices for home appliances, such as ovens and microwave ovens, suffer from complex configurations, frequent malfunctions due to excessive force application, and instability, particularly in environments with varying temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An auto-open door lock device with a locking set and control set separated by heat-resistant lines, utilizing first and second motors and micro switches to manage locking and unlocking operations, with temperature sensors to control motor operations based on temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a door lock device uses a complex driving unit with cam protrusion and sensing members to detect locking operations, then the door locking and unlocking functions are achieved, but the overall configuration and control become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from the mechanical structure by using a separate sensing member that detects the position of the locking lever through a simple mechanical connection, rather than integrating sensing into the cam mechanism. This separates the locking function from the detection function, simplifying the overall configuration while maintaining reliable door locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage between the locking lever and the sensing member, which translates the position of the locking lever into a detectable signal without requiring complex integrated sensing. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the control system while ensuring reliable detection of locking states.
2Reliability
If a door lock device applies excessive force to the torsion spring to ensure reliable locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but malfunctions occur due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing a torsion spring with pre-calculated elastic limits and incorporating a stop mechanism that prevents the locking lever from rotating beyond a safe angle. This ensures reliable locking while preventing excessive force that would cause malfunction or damage to the spring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a sensing member that detects the position of the locking lever and provides information to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to determine when the door is properly locked and when to release the locking mechanism, preventing excessive force application while ensuring reliable locking is achieved.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a manual door lock device is used with simple structure, then device stability is improved, but the door lock must be opened and closed by human operation which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by incorporating an automatic opening function that uses a heating element to melt the seal between the door and body, causing the door to open automatically after cooking. This maintains the simple stable structure of a manual lock while adding automated operation for convenience, eliminating the need for manual door opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by combining the manual locking mechanism with an automatic opening function. The door lock device serves both as a secure manual lock and as an automatic door opener, providing both stability and ease of operation through different functional modes.
4Device complexity
If irregular force is applied to the door lock device during manual operation, then the device structure remains simple, but malfunctions occur due to irregular force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the torsion spring with appropriate elastic limits and incorporating stop mechanisms that prevent over-rotation of the locking lever. This cushions against irregular forces applied during manual operation, maintaining simple structure while preventing malfunctions caused by excessive or irregular force.
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 device operates reliably with minimal malfunctions, maintains a compact size, and ensures stable component coupling, reducing the risk of malfunction due to heat and excessive force.
Implementation Method 1
a first motor that operates the locking lever
Implementation Method 2
a second motor that operates the latch
Implementation Method 3
a first micro switch that determines whether the first motor rotates, and a second micro switch that determines whether the second motor rotates
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-open door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an auto-open door lock device comprising a locking set that operates to engage with and release a hook installed on a door, and a control set that provides power to the locking set, wherein the locking set includes a locker that fixes the hook and receives a rotational force in a first direction about a first center, a latch that receives a rotational force in a second direction about a second center attached to one side, and a locking lever provided with a locking flange that fixes the locker to implement a locked state, and the control set includes a first motor that operates the locking lever, a first micro switch that determines whether the first motor rotates, a second motor that operates the latch, and a second micro switch that determines whether the second motor rotates, and the locking set and the control set are separated from each other.