Cam-Lock Door Latch With Self-Restoring Anti-Tamper Action
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door-lock devices for household appliances are complex and require manual intervention for restoration after tampering, lacking automatic operation and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A door-lock device with a cam-shaped locking hook, springs, and magnetic field sensors that automatically restores operation by accumulating and releasing potential energy to engage and disengage the locking mechanism, allowing for self-correction in case of tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a door-lock device uses a complex mechanism to ensure reliable locking, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking hook, slider, and pushing means into a single integrated assembly that moves as one unit. The locking hook is directly connected to the slider, which is pushed by the spring mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuation systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pushing means automatically restores the locking hook to its initial position after the door is closed, without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The magnetic sensor automatically detects when the door is closed and triggers the unlocking sequence, enabling the device to self-regulate its locking state based on door position.
2Ease of manufacture
If the locking mechanism requires manual restoration after tampering, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects tampering through the magnetic sensor and restores its locking function by reopening the door, eliminating the need for manual intervention by technicians. The spring mechanism ensures the locking hook returns to its operational position, and the control unit resets the locking sequence without requiring disassembly or manual restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensor provides continuous feedback on the door's closed state and locking hook position to the control unit. When tampering is detected or the door is closed, the control unit receives this feedback and automatically initiates the appropriate response (unlocking or maintaining locked state), enabling automatic restoration without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If the locking hook remains engaged during door closure, then the reliability is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to resistance to closing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hook transitions dynamically between engaged and disengaged states based on door position. During door closure, the slider moves the locking hook from the engaged to the disengaged position before the door fully closes, eliminating resistance. After closure, the locking hook engages to provide secure locking, optimizing both closing ease and locking reliability at different stages of the door cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit activates the unlocking sequence in advance before the door fully closes, using the magnetic sensor to detect the closing motion. This preliminary unlocking action ensures the locking hook is disengaged before the door makes contact, preventing resistance and potential damage while maintaining security after closure.
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 simplifies construction, enables automatic restoration of operation, and ensures secure closure and opening of household appliance doors, with the ability to detect tampering and self-correct, enhancing reliability and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
pushing means, for normally keeping said slider in contact with said cam surface, such that, when said door is closed, said locking hook passes from said rest position to said operative position, said cam shape of said locking hook initially compressing said pushing means, so that said pushing means accumulate a potential energy and said slider exerts a resistance to the closing of said door, and, then, allowing said pushing means to release said accumulated potential energy, so that said slider exerts a return action on said locking hook and on said door
Implementation Method 2
said locking portion of said locking hook could be provided with a seat, in which a permanent magnet is arranged, and said locking element could have a housing in which a electric circuit board is inserted, electrically connectable to the control logic of said household appliance, said electric circuit board comprises magnetic field sensors, as magnetoresistors and/or the like, arranged close to said recess, so as to detect the magnetic field of said permanent magnet when said door is closed and said locking hook is engaged with the recess
Data Source
AI summary
A door-lock device having a casing, a slider, arranged within said casing, a locking hook with a body and a locking portion, said body having a cam shape which abuts said slider, said locking hook capable to assume a rest position, in which said locking portion is disengaged from said recess, and an operative position, in which said locking portion is inserted, and engaged with, said recess, and pushing capabilities, for keeping said slider in contact with said cam surface, so when said door is closed, said locking hook passes from said rest position to said operative position, said cam shape compressing said pushing capabilities, so that said pushing capabilities accumulate energy and said slider exerts a resistance to the closing of said door, and, then, allowing said pushing capabilities to release said energy, so that said slider exerts a return action on said locking hook and on said door.