Manual Control Device Locking Mechanism for Household Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manual control devices for household appliances can be inadvertently disassembled by users, posing a risk of exposure to internal electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A manual control device with a locking mechanism that secures the control element to a support plate, preventing disassembly by positioning the locking element on the opposite side of the movable part, ensuring it cannot be removed during use, and utilizing a transmission element to transmit movements to the control shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control device is made easily removable for user convenience, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety and reliability deteriorate due to risk of accidental disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is divided into separable components (control element, support part, locking element) that can be intentionally disassembled by users when needed, but remain securely locked during normal operation. This segmentation allows both easy intentional removal and prevention of accidental disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-positioned on the support part to automatically engage with the control element upon assembly. This preliminary locking action ensures that the control device remains securely mounted during operation without requiring additional safety measures or user intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the locking element is positioned on the same side as the movable part for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety deteriorates as users can accidentally remove it
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the locking element on the same side as the movable part for easy access, the locking element is invertedly positioned on the opposite side of the support part. This ensures that the locking mechanism is inaccessible to users during normal operation, preventing accidental disassembly while still allowing intentional removal by technicians or manufacturers.
3Device complexity
If the control device structure is simplified without locking mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and safety worsen due to potential disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is nested within the support part structure, with the hem integrated into the locking element body and the clipping element formed as part of the support part. This nested design adds minimal structural complexity while providing effective locking functionality to prevent accidental disassembly.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4
AI summary
A manual control device for a household appliance, the control device (100) being configured to be connected to a control shaft, a movement action on said control device (100) causing a movement on the control shaft. The control device (100) comprises: - a control element (100A) having a support piece (2) and a movable part (1) mounted on a first side of the support piece (2) and being configured to receive a movement action representative of a command, the support piece (2) having, on a second side opposite the first side, fastening means (26) for attaching the support piece (2) to a support plate; and - a locking element (6) being mounted on the second side of the support piece (2) and cooperating with the fastening means (26) to lock the support piece (2).