Dishwasher Door Latch Release for Controlled Auto-Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers require user intervention to open the door after a cycle, which can lead to safety hazards and inefficiencies, particularly during the drying process when high temperatures are not necessary.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design that uses an actuator to automatically dislodge the latching mechanism from the clamp, allowing the door to open without user intervention, utilizing a heat-activated element to change length and pull the latching means away from the clamp, and a door partial-opener mechanism to slowly open the door, ensuring steam discharge without high temperature drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door is opened by pushing the lock latch extending from the body, then the door can be opened, but the fast falling of the door can harm the door hinge and the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a motor to gradually move the lock latch from the locked position to an unlocked position before the door is fully opened. This controlled preliminary movement prevents the door from falling suddenly, thereby avoiding damage to the hinge and harm to the user while still enabling easy door opening.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the door is partially opened by pushing slightly the lock latch without dislodging it from the lock housing, then the door falling is prevented, but the door can be detected to be closed since the lock latch is still in the lock housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a cam mechanism - that translates the partial movement of the lock latch into a detectable signal. The cam rotates as the latch moves, and this rotation is detected by a sensor, allowing the system to accurately determine door position even when the latch remains partially engaged in the lock housing.
3Extent of automation
If an actuator is used to dislodge the latching means from the clamp automatically, then user intervention is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing a thermally-responsive actuator that changes its physical dimensions in response to temperature variations. This actuator automatically expands or contracts based on thermal parameters, thereby dislodging the latching means from the clamp without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional control systems, achieving automation with minimal added complexity.
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 enables safe and efficient automatic door opening, preventing user and hinge damage, while eliminating the need for high temperature drying and reducing energy consumption by allowing steam discharge without user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator heats up when the electric current is supplied thereto and thus the length of the actuator changes
Implementation Method 2
the length of the actuator changes
Implementation Method 3
a door partial-opening spring and a spring trigger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2), side walls (3) that cover the side surfaces of the body (2), a door (4) providing access into the body (2), a latching means (5) borne to the body (2) such as to move, and a clamp (6) situated on the door (4) which locks the door (4) when the latching means (5) is inserted therein.