Washing Machine Door Lock Switch for Forced-Open Power Cutoff

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current washing apparatuses require additional door sensing switches to detect forced door openings, leading to increased complexity, assembly time, and production costs, as well as inefficient control of electric driving units.

Innovation Solution

A door lock switch that directly senses forced door openings and cuts off power to electric driving units using a bimetal and solenoid mechanism, simplifying the structure and improving safety and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an additional door sensing switch is provided to detect forced door openings, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor opening detection capabilityVSAvoidswitch structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the door sensing function with the existing door lock switch by integrating a safety lever that directly interacts with the door hook. This merging eliminates the need for a separate door sensing switch, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability. The safety lever is mechanically coupled to the lock switch mechanism, allowing it to sense forced door openings and trigger the appropriate response through the existing switch structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a separate door sensing switch is added, then the safety function is improved, but the assembly man-hours and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safetyVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The safety function is integrated into the door lock switch assembly through the safety lever mechanism. This single integrated component performs both the locking function and the forced opening detection function, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing production costs while maintaining user safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If additional sensing components are added, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the control complexity of electric driving units increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor state sensing accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The safety lever automatically detects forced door openings through direct mechanical interaction with the door hook and self-actuates the lock switch mechanism. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex electronic sensing and control systems, as the mechanical design inherently provides accurate detection and automatic response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 washing apparatus structure, reduces assembly and production costs, and enhances operational safety by directly sensing door openings and cutting off power to electric driving units.

Implementation Method 1

a bimetal for moving the locking pin to a locking, or unlocking position of the slider

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal deformation: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

a solenoid for moving the locking pin to a locking or unlocking position of the slider

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS7775070B2Door power interruption safety switch of washing machine and method of operation thereof
Publication Date: 2010.08.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US7775070B2 patent drawing
  • US7775070B2 patent drawing
  • US7775070B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Door lock switch of washing apparatus, and method for controlling the same, the door lock switch for locking or unlocking a door, and cutting off a current applied to electric driving units under operation when the door is opened forcibly, thereby controlling electric driving units under operation effectively for improving operation efficiency and safety of the washing apparatus when the door is opened forcibly.