Door lock device for washing machine and method of locking washing machine door
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior door lock devices for washing machines lack a compact structure and are limited by single latch designs, which restrict design flexibility and fail to maintain laundry quality by keeping the door locked post-wash, allowing moisture to accumulate and potentially causing sour laundry.
Innovation Solution
A door lock device with a housing, first latch, spring, second latch, and drive motor, where the first latch moves between locking and unlocking positions, and the third latch restricts and unlocks the first latch, allowing for compact installation and automatic door unlocking post-wash, utilizing a latch drive mechanism and detection switches for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single latch is used in the door lock device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for various operation modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The door lock device is divided into multiple independent latches (first latch, second latch, third latch), each responsible for specific functions. The first latch handles door locking/unlocking, the second latch controls the first latch's positioning, and the third latch enables post-wash locking. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple operation modes while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple door lock devices are installed to realize various operation modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latch mechanisms that would traditionally require separate door lock devices are merged into a single integrated assembly. The first, second, and third latches work together within one door lock device housing, sharing common structural elements and control systems. This merging achieves the versatility of multiple operation modes while reducing the overall number of devices needed and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The door lock device is designed with multi-functional capability through the coordinated operation of multiple latches. The same door lock device can perform door locking, door unlocking, and post-wash locking functions by activating different latch combinations, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices for each function.
3Device complexity
If the door lock device only has unlocking structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain laundry quality after washing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The third latch is pre-configured to automatically engage and lock the door after the washing cycle completes. This preliminary action ensures the door is locked before laundry is removed, preventing moisture accumulation and maintaining laundry quality. The system proactively addresses the moisture problem by implementing automatic post-wash locking rather than relying on user action.
4Ease of operation
If the first latch is made movable for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of door locking may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The second latch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's operation and the first latch's locking action. When the user presses the button, the second latch mediates the force transmission to securely engage the first latch in the locked position. This intermediary ensures reliable locking while maintaining ease of operation through simple button pressing, as the second latch handles the complex engagement mechanics.
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 provides a compact and efficient door locking mechanism that maintains the door locked during wash cycles and automatically unlocks it post-wash, preventing moisture accumulation and ensuring laundry quality, while allowing for easy operation with one-time pressing for locking and unlocking.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed in the housing; The spring biases the first latch toward the door unlocking position
Implementation Method 2
a drive motor disposed in the housing and driving the third latch
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a door lock device for releasably locking a door of a washing machine. The door lock device has first to third latches, and a drive motor and a latch drive mechanism for moving the third latch. The first latch releasably locks the door of the washing machine and is movable in frontward and rearward directions. The movement of the first latch is changed at a change position. The first latch is always biased frontward by a spring. The second latch releasably locks the first latch, which locks the door of the washing machine, at a door locking position. The third latch is moved in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the first latch. The third latch restricts the first latch at the door locking position, or unlocks the first latch after pushing the first latch from the door locking position against the spring.