Compact Door Hook Locking for Household Appliance Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locking systems for household appliances are bulky and lack compactness, failing to meet the market demand for miniaturization and are complex in design, making them unsuitable for installation in smaller spaces.
Innovation Solution
A door-locking device comprising a containment casing, a hook that moves between disengagement and engagement positions with elastic means, a locking element, and an abutment element, allowing for compact design and reliable operation with reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known door locking systems are used, then the door can be locked safely, but the device structure becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated mechanism. The hook element performs both the locking function (engaging with the door) and the actuating function (moving between positions to control the electrical connection). The elastic means are integrated within the containment casing rather than being separate external components, merging the actuation system with the locking mechanism to reduce overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook serves multiple functions: it acts as the locking element that physically secures the door, serves as a mechanical linkage that transfers movement between the door and the electrical connection, and functions as a lever that the elastic means act upon. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing the number of parts required.
2Reliability
If known door locking systems are used, then the door can be locked safely, but the overall dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is arranged within the containment casing, with the elastic means nested inside the same casing. The abutment element is positioned within the casing to provide a stop for the elastic means. This nested arrangement allows all components to occupy a compact three-dimensional space rather than extending outward, significantly reducing the overall device volume while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook moves between positions along a path that utilizes three-dimensional space within the containment casing rather than requiring linear extension in a single direction. The elastic means are arranged to compress and expand in a direction that optimizes space utilization within the casing, allowing the mechanism to achieve the required range of motion within a compact volume.
3Reliability
If known door locking systems are used, then the door can be locked safely, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The containment casing is designed to house multiple components (hook, elastic means, abutment element) within a single molded or fabricated structure. This integration reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured, inventory managed, and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the reliability of the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook and elastic means are designed as a simplified mechanism that performs multiple functions with minimal components. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing costs by reducing material requirements, assembly steps, and quality control checkpoints, while the carefully designed geometry of the hook ensures reliable locking functionality.
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 solution provides a compact, reliable, and cost-effective door locking system that reduces overall dimensions, ensuring safe operation and ease of manufacturing, while preventing accidental start of appliance programs.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means, interposed between said hook and said abutment element, wherein when said hook is in said disengagement position, said elastic means are compressed, and when said hook is in said engagement position, said elastic means expand, so that said hook moves
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a Door-locking device (1) for a household appliance (E), said household appliance (E) being of the type comprising a door provided with a lug (14), said door locking device (1) comprising a containment casing (10), fixable to said household appliance (E), a hook (11), arranged into said containment casing (10), capable of moving from a disengagement position, in which said lug (14) does not contact said hook (11), to an engagement position, in which said lug (14) is engaged with said hook (11) and said hook (11) is free to move along the movement direction of said lug (14), an abutment element (15) fixed on said containment casing (10), and elastic means (13), interposed between said hook (11) and said abutment element (15), wherein when said hook (11) is in said disengagement position, said elastic means (13) are compressed, and when said hook (11) is in said engagement position, said elastic means (13) expand, so that said hook (11) moves.