Cooking device comprising a latch module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking devices face challenges in incorporating both automatic opening and secure lock functions for self-cleaning operations without increasing the number of components, which leads to higher production costs and complexity, while also ensuring safety and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A latch module that integrates manual lock, automatic opening, and secure lock functions using a single latch with a single drive source and power transmission structure, employing a cam mechanism with different radii to control the latch's position and interact with an elastic body for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate secure lock and automatic opening devices are applied, then safety and automatic opening functions are achieved, but the number of components increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secure lock device and automatic opening device into a single integrated door control module. The motor serves as a common drive source that can operate in different modes: providing secure locking force through the first power transmission structure, and enabling automatic opening through the second power transmission structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate motors and reduces component count while maintaining both safety and automatic opening functions
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor in the door control module is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different power transmission structures. The same motor can generate torque for secure locking during self-cleaning operations, and can also generate torque for automatic opening when needed. The controller manages the motor's operation to achieve different functions based on operational requirements, making the motor a universal drive source for both locking and opening operations
2Device complexity
If multiple functions are incorporated into one module, then production costs and component count are reduced, but drive control becomes complicated and more switches are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching between different power transmission structures based on operational mode. The controller dynamically engages or disengages the first power transmission structure for secure locking, and the second power transmission structure for automatic opening. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its mechanical structure to the required function, simplifying control logic compared to managing multiple independent devices with multiple switches
3Productivity
If the door control module is initialized without proper control, then the module can be initialized, but the door may accidentally open and users may think the device is malfunctioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary control actions during the initialization sequence of the door control module. Before the motor is activated or power transmission structures are engaged, the controller ensures that the latch is in a secure locked position. The initialization process includes preliminary checks and positioning steps that prevent the door from accidentally opening during startup. This preliminary action ensures the door remains securely locked throughout the initialization phase, preventing user confusion about device malfunction
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 allows for efficient and safe operation of the cooking device by minimizing the number of components, reducing production costs, and ensuring reliable automatic opening and secure locking functions, while preventing accidental door opening during initialization.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body that moves the latch to rotate in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
A latch module that integrates manual lock, automatic opening, and secure lock functions using a single latch with a single drive source and power transmission structure, employing a cam mechanism with different radii to control the latch's position
Data Source
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AI summary
A cooking appliance, comprising a latch module (4) that controls an opening and a closing of the door (20); wherein the latch module (4) comprises a latch (50) that comprises a contact surface (55), and a extension (58) provided at a position different from the contact surface (55) and having an sub-contact surface (59); a drive (60) that provides power for the latch (50) to move; and a cam (70) that includes a surface with a non-uniform radius to contact the contact surface (55) for transmitting the power of the drive (60) to the latch (50), wherein the latch (50) moves in a first direction (wl) or in a second direction (w2) opposite to the first direction (wl), wherein the latch (50) opens and closes the door (20) manually when the latch (50) is in a first basic position, wherein the latch (50) securely locks the door (20) when the latch (50) moves in the first direction (wl) from the first basic position, wherein the latch (50) is released from the door (20) when the latch (50) moves in the second direction (w2) from the first basic position, wherein the sub-contact surface (59) approaches the surface of the cam (70) or is away from the surface of the cam (70) as the latch (50) moves, wherein moving of the latch (50) in the second direction (w2) is prevented when the sub-contact surface (59) is interfered with the surface of the cam (70).