Door-lock device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door-lock devices for household appliances are complex and require manual intervention or technical disassembly to restore operation after tampering, lacking an automatic self-restoring mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A door-lock device with a cam-shaped locking hook, spring-based pushing means, and magnetic field sensors that automatically restore operation by accumulating and releasing potential energy, allowing the door to self-close and reopen, and detecting the door's closed state through magnetoresistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a door-lock device is designed with complex mechanisms to ensure reliable locking, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door-lock device is divided into functionally independent modules: a locking module with cam-shaped locking hook for secure engagement, a returning effect module with springs for automatic restoration, and a sensing module with magnetic field sensors for state detection. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function reliably while keeping the overall structure manageable and not overly complex.
2Ease of repair
If manual intervention is required to restore operation after tampering, then the ease of repair is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door-lock device incorporates a returning effect mechanism with springs that automatically restore the locking hook to its initial position after tampering or door opening. The magnetic field sensors automatically detect the door state and trigger the unlocking sequence. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention to restore operation, enhancing ease of operation while maintaining simplicity of repair.
3Ease of operation
If automatic restoration mechanism is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical restoration mechanisms with a hybrid approach: magnetic field sensors detect door state and trigger electronic control, which then activates the returning effect springs. This substitution of mechanical sensing with magnetic sensing simplifies the automatic restoration mechanism, improving ease of operation while avoiding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking hook with cam shape serves multiple functions: it provides secure locking engagement, enables automatic returning effect through its geometric profile, and works in conjunction with magnetic field sensors for state detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automatic restoration capability.
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 device simplifies construction, enables automatic restoration of operation without manual intervention, and ensures reliable self-closing and reopening functionality, enhancing user convenience and appliance control.
Implementation Method 1
said cam shape of said locking hook initially compresses said pushing means, so that said pushing means accumulate a potential energy and said slider exerts a resistance to the closing of said door, and, then, allowing said pushing means to release said accumulated potential energy, so that said slider exerts a return action on said locking hook and on said door
Implementation Method 2
said electric circuit board comprises magnetic field sensors, as magnetoresistors and/or the like, arranged close to said recess, so as to detect the magnetic field of said permanent magnet when said door is closed and said locking hook is engaged with the recess
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention concerns a door-lock device (1) for a closing door (P) of an household appliance (L) said door (P) being provided with a recess, said door-lock device (1) comprising a casing (2), a slider (3), arranged within said casing (2), a locking hook (5) comprising a body (51) and a locking portion (52), said body (51) having a cam shape (54) which abuts on said slider (51), said locking hook (5) being capable to assume a rest position, in which said locking portion (52) is disengaged from said recess, and an operative position, in which said locking portion (52) is inserted into, and engaged with, said recess, and pushing means (4), for normally keeping said slider (3) in contact with said cam surface (54), such that, when said door (P) is closed, said locking hook (5) passes from said rest position to said operative position, said cam shape (54) of said locking hook (5) initially compressing said pushing means (4), so that said pushing means (4) accumulate a potential energy and said slider (3) exerts a resistance to the closing of said door (P), and, then, allowing said pushing means (4) to release said accumulated potential energy, so that said slider (3) exerts a return action on said locking hook (5) and on said door (P); and vice versa when said door (P) is opened.