Dishwasher Door Latch and Spring-Driven Pusher for Automatic Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers without hinge springs that exert an opening bias require alternative solutions to automatically open the door sufficiently for heat and moisture escape, ensuring adequate cooling and ventilation without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism comprising a door latch, an electrically controllable latch opener mechanism, a movably arranged pusher, and a spring drive that overcomes the holding-closed action of the door latch, allowing the door to be opened automatically by bypassing the latch mechanism and utilizing spring force for further opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hinge springs are used to bias the door in the opening direction, then the door can be opened automatically to a sufficient extent, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pusher element is introduced as an intermediary component that transmits the spring force to the door independently of the latch mechanism. The pusher is motionally decoupled from the latch opener, meaning it operates through a separate force transmission path that does not depend on the latch being in a specific state. This allows the door to be pushed open to the required extent without requiring the complex integration of hinge springs with the latch mechanism.
2Reliability
If the door is opened by a sufficient amount for adequate air exchange, then cooling and ventilation are ensured, but the holding-closed action of the door latch must be overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The latch opener mechanism is activated before the pusher element engages to open the door. The actuator transfers the latch opener from an inactive position to an active position, preliminarily overcoming the holding-closed action of the door latch. This preliminary action reduces the force that the subsequent pusher element must exert, as the latch resistance has already been partially or fully overcome. The spring force is then applied through the pusher to complete the door opening motion.
3Force
If the pusher is motionally decoupled from the latch opener mechanism, then the force transmission path bypasses the door latch, but the coordination between latch opening and door pushing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, latch-dependent force transmission to a dynamic, independently controllable pusher mechanism. The pusher element is motionally decoupled from the latch opener, allowing it to operate independently through a separate force transmission path. The actuator dynamically coordinates the latch opener activation with the pusher engagement, transferring the latch opener to an active position before applying spring force through the pusher. This dynamic coordination allows the force transmission to bypass the latch mechanism during door opening, improving force efficiency while managing complexity through controlled sequencing.
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
Enables the door to be opened by a sufficient amount (at least 3-6 cm) without user assistance, facilitating air exchange and reducing energy consumption by automating the drying process in dishwashers.
Implementation Method 1
a spring drive configured to provide a spring force which acts on the pusher and which, after the holding-closed action of the door latch has been overcome, permits the door to be pushed open by the pusher
Implementation Method 2
an electrically controllable actuator for displacing the latch opener mechanism from the inactive position into the active position
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for the door of a domestic electrical appliance, for example a dishwasher, is described. The mechanism includes a door latch for holding the door closed, a latch opener mechanism, an electrically controlled actuator for displacing the latch opener mechanism, a movably arranged pusher, and a spring device for providing a spring force which acts on the pusher. The latch opener mechanism functions such that, when the door is closed, it can be transferred from an inactive position into an active position while at least partially overcoming a holding-closed action of the door latch. The movably arranged pusher is separate from the latch opener mechanism and is decoupled therefrom in terms of movement. After the holding-closed action of the door latch has been overcome, the spring drive allows the door to be pushed open by the pusher.