Door Latch With Single-Actuator Locking and Controlled Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door latches for washing machines lack a suitable locking mechanism, requiring separate actuators for locking and controlled opening, which complicates the design and does not meet the need for secure door closure during washing operations.
Innovation Solution
A door latch with a movable locking assembly that transitions between unlocking, locking, and opening positions, allowing controlled opening and simplifying the construction by using a single actuator for both locking and unlocking, and optionally utilizing an electric drive motor or electromagnetic drive unit for stable movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional door latch is used for washing machines, then the door can be opened easily, but the door cannot be securely locked during washing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The door latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking member with separate locking and opening positions, a catch assembly, and a rotary member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving reliable locking without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be movable between different positions (locking position and opening position) rather than being fixed. This dynamic capability allows the same component to provide both secure locking during washing and controlled opening when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuators are used for locking and controlled opening, then both functions can be performed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by moving the locking member between different positions. The same actuator provides both locking function (by moving to locking position) and controlled opening function (by moving to opening position), eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and opening functions are merged into a single actuator system. Instead of having separate actuators for locking and opening, the invention combines both functions into one actuator that controls the locking member's position, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the door latch is designed for secure locking, then user safety is improved, but the ease of controlled opening may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the actuator and the catch assembly. By moving the locking member to different positions, the system mediates between the locked state (providing user protection) and the opened state (providing ease of operation). The locking member's movement controls the engagement and disengagement of the catch, enabling both safety and controlled access.
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 secure door locking during washing operations and controlled opening with a single actuator, reducing complexity and ensuring user safety by preventing accidental door opening during high-temperature washing water exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary member (18) which is arranged to be rotationally movable between a closing rotational position and a release rotational position and is spring-biased in the direction towards the release rotational position
Implementation Method 2
the locking member (44) having an associated electromagnetic drive unit (64a)
Data Source
AI summary
A door latch for an electrical domestic appliance includes a rotary member arranged to be rotationally movable between a closing rotational position and a release rotational position and is spring-biased in the direction towards the release rotational position, a movably arranged catch that is in an arresting engagement with the rotary member when the rotary member is in the closing rotational position, and a locking assembly that includes a movable locking member movable between an unlocking position and a locking position. The arresting engagement is releasable by an overlifting rotational movement of the rotary member. The rotary member is rotationally movable between a closing rotational position and a release rotational position and is spring-biased in the direction towards the release rotational position. The locking member, when transferred from the unlocking position into the opening position, causes the arresting engagement of the catch with the rotary member to be released.