Appliance Door Latch Module for Secure Lock and Auto Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking devices face challenges in incorporating a secure lock function for self-cleaning with a separate automatic opening function while also allowing manual opening and closing, leading to increased components, production costs, and complexity, which can result in accidental door opening during initialization, misleading users about the device's functionality.
Innovation Solution
A latch module that integrates manual lock, secure lock, and automatic opening functions using a single latch with one drive source and power transmission structure, employing kinematic interference between components to control the latch's position and prevent accidental opening, minimizing the number of switches and ensuring proper initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure lock function and a separate automatic opening function are incorporated into the door control system, then the door can be securely locked during self-cleaning and automatically opened when needed, but the number of components increases, production costs increase, and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secure lock function and automatic opening function into a single integrated door control module. The module includes a motor that can operate in different modes: in the first mode, the motor drives the latch to engage with the door for secure locking; in the second mode, the motor drives the latch to disengage from the door for automatic opening. This integration eliminates the need for separate drives and power transmission structures for each function, thereby reducing component count and system complexity while maintaining both security and automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The door control module is designed with multi-functionality, where a single motor and latch mechanism can perform multiple functions depending on the operational mode. The controller switches between first mode (secure locking) and second mode (automatic opening) based on operational requirements. This universal design allows one component system to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated systems for each function
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple functions are integrated into a single door control module, then the number of components is reduced and production costs decrease, but the drive control becomes more complicated and more switches may be needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control mechanisms for multiple functions into a unified control system. Instead of having separate control circuits and switches for secure locking and automatic opening, the invention uses a single controller that manages both functions through mode switching. The controller receives input signals and determines whether to operate in first mode (secure locking) or second mode (automatic opening), thereby simplifying the overall control architecture despite the multi-functional requirements
3Ease of operation
If the door control module is initialized without proper control, then the module can be operated, but the door may accidentally open automatically during initialization, misleading users about device malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through an initialization process that must be completed before normal operation. During initialization, the controller executes a specific sequence: it first determines whether to operate in first mode or second mode, then accordingly either engages or disengages the latch. This preliminary initialization ensures that the door control module starts in a known, controlled state, preventing accidental automatic opening and eliminating 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 reliable and safe operation by integrating multiple functions into a single module, reducing component count and complexity, preventing accidental door openings during initialization, and ensuring the cooking device is not mistaken for malfunctioning.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body that moves the latch to rotate in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
a drive that provides a power for rotating the latch in a second direction which is an opposite to the first direction using a force greater than an elastic force of the elastic body
Data Source
AI summary
A latch module for controlling an opening and a closing of a door of an appliance includes a latch, a spring that applies an elastic force to the latch, a motor; and a cam that contacts a contact surface of the latch and is coupled to the motor to drive the cam to pivot the latch. The cam includes a first radius, a second radius, and a third radius in a circumferential direction at an outer circumference of the cam. The latch is positioned at a first basic position when the first radius of the cam contacts the contact surface of the latch, positioned at a second basic position when the second radius of the cam contacts the contact surface of the latch, and positioned at a third basic position when the third radius of the cam contacts the contact surface of the latch.