Automatic opening device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic door opening mechanisms in household appliances are bulky, complex, noisy, and costly, limiting space efficiency, reliability, and user experience due to the use of DC motors and solenoids, and lack irreversible operation with emergency release capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An automatic opening device with a containment casing, electric motor, actuator member, and transmission assembly using reducers and worm screws, along with microswitches and a safety mechanism to ensure irreversible operation and silent functioning, reducing component count and space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If DC motors or solenoids are used to drive automatic opening mechanisms, then the door opening function is effective, but the system complexity increases and physical bulk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor opening functionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electrical actuation systems (DC motors, solenoids) with a simple mechanical spring-loaded latch mechanism. The spring-loaded door holder provides automatic door holding and release functionality through pure mechanical means, eliminating the need for complex electrical drivers and their associated control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the complex electrical actuation components (DC motors, solenoids, sensors) from the system, retaining only the essential mechanical door holding and releasing function. This simplification reduces system complexity while maintaining the core door opening capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If DC motors or solenoids are used to drive automatic opening mechanisms, then the door opening function is effective, but the physical bulk inside the appliance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor opening functionVSAvoidphysical bulk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky electrical actuation systems with a compact mechanical spring-loaded latch. The spring mechanism provides sufficient force for door holding and releasing in a much smaller package, significantly reducing the volume occupied by the door actuation system within the appliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

By removing the bulky DC motors, solenoids, and associated electrical components, the patent dramatically reduces the physical bulk of the door opening mechanism. The simplified mechanical system occupies minimal space while maintaining functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If complex positional feedback systems with sensors are implemented, then the door position control is precise, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor position controlVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded door holder mechanism is self-regulating and automatically responds to door position changes through mechanical feedback. The spring force naturally adjusts to hold the door in the appropriate position without requiring external sensors or complex control systems, eliminating expensive positioning components while maintaining functional precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes expensive sensors and complex feedback systems from the design. The simplified mechanical system achieves adequate door position control through inherent mechanical properties rather than electronic measurement and control, significantly reducing production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If DC motors or solenoids are used, then the door opening operation is reliable, but the noise level increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor opening operationVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces noisy electrical actuation systems (DC motors, solenoids) with a quiet mechanical spring-loaded latch. The spring mechanism operates silently through smooth mechanical action, eliminating the electromagnetic noise and motor sounds associated with electrical actuators, while maintaining reliable door opening operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides silent operation, reduces mechanical complexity, maximizes internal space, and enhances reliability by minimizing noise and potential failure points while allowing emergency release, thus improving user experience and appliance capacity.

Implementation Method 1

a first worm screw (45), engaged with said second reducer (43), and a second worm screw (46), engaged with said first worm screw (45) and keyed to said electric motor (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm screw mechanism: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

a spring (63), arranged between said movable frame (61) and said containment casing (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The transmission assembly (4) is designed to be irreversible in motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250327332A1Automatic opening device
Publication Date: 2025.10.23 ELBI INT
  • US20250327332A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention concerns an automatic opening device (1) of a door, such as a door of household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and the like, comprising a containment casing (11), an electric motor (3), capable of rotating in the direction of rotation or in the opposite direction of rotation, an actuator member (2), having a rack (21), and a transmission assembly (4), coupled to said electric motor (3) and engaged with said rack (21) of said actuator member (2).