Cooking device with door locking device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pyrolysis-capable ovens and cooking appliances have limited functionality in their door locking systems, which restricts the range of operations and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A cooking appliance with a door lock system that allows for multiple states, including a closed position, a gap-open position, and a fully open position, utilizing a spring device for automatic opening and a drive mechanism for controlled transitions between these states, enabling flexible operation and programming of door positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a simple door lock is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the functionality and versatility of the cooking appliance are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddoor lock complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door lock system is divided into separate functional modules: a drive mechanism with motor and worm gear for controlled locking/unlocking, a separate spring device for automatic door opening, and a latch mechanism with strike plate. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system versatility without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The door lock system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can fully lock the door during cooking, unlock to allow manual opening, and work in conjunction with the spring device to enable automatic opening. The same basic locking mechanism supports both manual and automated operation modes, providing universal functionality across different cooking programs and user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a door lock with multiple states is implemented, then the versatility of the cooking appliance is improved, but the ease of operation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational statesVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring device is pre-loaded and automatically activates when the door lock releases, providing self-service automatic door opening without requiring user intervention. The door lock mechanism itself also provides automatic engagement and disengagement based on motor-driven actuation, reducing the operational steps the user must manually perform while maintaining multiple functional states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automatic door opening with spring device is added, then the productivity of cooking processes is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking process efficiencyVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic door opening function is extracted as a separate spring-loaded mechanism independent of the door lock's primary locking function. This extracted spring device can be activated independently to provide rapid door opening for time-sensitive cooking operations, improving productivity without requiring the door lock mechanism itself to become more complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 door lock system provides enhanced functionality, allowing for various operational states, including automatic opening and closing, which improves user convenience and flexibility in cooking processes, such as rapid cooling and pyrolysis functions.

Implementation Method 1

The door is pre-loaded in the opening direction by a spring mechanism. This means that in the third position, the door opens automatically, at least partially or more.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3324125B1Cooking device with door locking device
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP3324125B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3324125B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP3324125B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Cooking appliance (1), such as a pyrolysis-capable baking oven, with at least two components (4, 5), one component being embodied as the appliance housing (4) and one component as the appliance door (5), and the appliance door (5) being the appliance door (5) is movably arranged relative to the device housing (4). The appliance door can be locked with a door lock (3). In a first state (41), the appliance door (5) is in a closed position (50) and the door lock (3) is in an engagement position (80) in engagement with the appliance door (5). In a second state (42), the appliance door (5) is in an at least partially open position (51) and the door lock (3) is in the engagement position (80) in engagement with the appliance door (5). In a third state (43), the door lock (3) is in a release position (81) and releases the appliance door (5).