Automatic opening module for a door of a household appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door-locking modules for household appliances are bulky, require numerous components, and lack compatibility with different appliance layouts, necessitating separate production lines and modifications.
Innovation Solution
An automatic opening module comprising a housing, transmission system, and lever engaging pin, which integrates with existing door-locking modules to reduce complexity and enhance compatibility by using a gear assembly and clutch mechanism for compact design and universal fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing door-locking modules use multiple mechanical components to determine locking pin position, then position detection capability is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the position detection function with the existing actuator mechanism by using the actuator's movement itself to indicate locking pin position. The control unit determines position based on actuator state rather than separate detection components, merging detection functionality into the actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves dual purposes: it both actuates the locking pin and provides position information to the control unit. The system uses its own operational state to determine position without requiring external or additional dedicated detection components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If door-locking modules are designed with specific layouts for different appliances, then compatibility with specific appliances is improved, but adaptability to different appliance layouts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the door-locking module with a universal actuator interface that can engage with different appliance door structures. The standardized actuator mechanism and housing design allow the same module to be installed on various appliance types without requiring appliance-specific customization, enabling single production line manufacturing.
3Extent of automation
If automatic unlocking mechanisms are added to door-locking modules, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the automatic unlocking function into the existing actuator and housing structure. The same actuator that locks the door is used to unlock it automatically, and the housing serves both structural and functional roles in the automatic opening mechanism, avoiding the need for separate dedicated components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides for an automatic opening module for a door of a household appliance, comprising: a housing; a transmission system, and a lever engaging pin, wherein said transmission system and said lever engaging pin are received within said housing; and wherein a first part of said transmission system is operably coupled to said lever engaging pin; and wherein a second part of said transmission system is configured to operably engage with an actuator of a door locking module such that actuation of the actuator causes the transmission system to move the lever engaging pin between a first, locked, position and a second, unlocked, position.