Door-lock device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current door-lock devices for household appliances have complex circuits with multiple control terminals, leading to high production costs and low compatibility with different appliances, as well as a risk of mechanical breakage and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A door-lock device with minimal electrical terminals (at least two) and a magnetic actuator system using a Hall sensor and coils to simplify the circuit and ensure adaptability to various control logic units, reducing mechanical coupling and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control terminals are used in door-lock devices, then the control functionality is improved, but the circuit complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal door-lock device with only two control terminals that can adapt to different household appliance control logic units through configurable terminal functions. The same physical terminals can serve different logical purposes (locking control, status detection, error signaling) depending on configuration, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated terminals while maintaining full control functionality across different appliance types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control terminals are used in door-lock devices, then the control functionality is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal two-terminal architecture that can be configured for different control schemes, the patent reduces the number of components needed per device. This standardization simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces inventory complexity, and lowers production costs while maintaining the ability to support various control functionalities across different appliance applications.
3Reliability
If mechanically coupled systems are used in door-lock devices, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the risk of accidental breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling systems with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The actuator uses magnetic fields to drive the locking mechanism without direct mechanical connections between the control unit and the locking components. This substitution maintains reliable locking operation while eliminating the mechanical stress and wear that lead to accidental breakage, thereby reducing maintenance requirements.
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 simplifies the circuit, reduces production costs, improves compatibility with different appliances, and minimizes the risk of mechanical failure while ensuring reliable locking and unlocking operations.
Implementation Method 1
a Hall sensor connected between said first and said second terminal, arranged in parallel with said actuator, said Hall sensor being arranged so as to detect said magnetic field of said actuator
Implementation Method 2
an actuator, connected to said first and second connecting terminals, comprising at least one coil, suitable to generate a magnetic field capable of causing the locking and unlocking of said door
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a door-lock device (100) for locking and unlocking a door of a household appliance, such as a washing machine, a dishwasher and the like, comprising a first (110) and a second (120) electrical connecting terminal, a closing switch (130) series connected to said first connecting terminal (110) or to said second connection terminal (120), and arranged to close when the door of said household appliance is closed, an actuator (140), connected to said first (110) and second (120) connecting terminals, comprising at least one coil (141, 142), suitable to generate a magnetic field capable of causing the locking and unlocking of said door, and a Hall sensor (151) connected between said first (110) and said second (120) terminal, arranged in parallel with said actuator (140), said Hall sensor (151) being arranged so as to detect said magnetic field of said actuator (140).