Domestic Appliance Door Lock With Low-Force Hook Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks for domestic appliance doors require strong closing pressure, which can be inconvenient and potentially unsafe, especially for child safety considerations.
Innovation Solution
A lock design featuring a sliding carriage with a spring-loaded closing hook and oblique contact surface, allowing for reduced closing pressure and incorporating a child safety mechanism with a stopper dowel and external lever for manual actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lock with closing hook is used to lock the closing element, then the closing element can be securely locked, but strong closing pressure is required which is inconvenient and potentially unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
A spring element is introduced as an intermediary between the closing hook and the closing element. The spring absorbs and distributes the closing force, reducing the peak pressure required while maintaining secure locking engagement through the hook-cavity mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lock is designed with additional safety features and functionality, then the lock becomes more versatile and safer, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: secure locking through the closing hook and cavity engagement, controlled release through the oblique contact surface, and child safety through the stopper dowel mechanism. By integrating these functions into a single unified mechanism rather than separate components, the manufacturing cost is kept reasonable while achieving high versatility
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 reduces closing pressure, ensures easy assembly and cost-effectiveness, while enhancing functionality and safety by allowing secure operation with reduced force requirements and additional child safety features.
Implementation Method 1
the closing hook is positioned in the sliding carriage by means of a spring
Implementation Method 2
When the closing element is closed, the closing hook is pressed into the sliding carriage due to the oblique contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
A lock for a movable closing element, especially a door, a cover, a flap, or similar on a domestic appliance such as a dishwasher, a washing machine, a refrigerator, or similar, includes a closing hook that can be made to engage with the closing element when being closed and made to disengage therefrom when being opened. The closing hook can be made to engage with a cavity in the closing element.