Door-Lock Safety Module With Integrated Parallel-Circuit Switch Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door-lock devices for household appliances, such as washing machines, have complex circuit configurations with multiple terminals, lack compactness, and do not integrate electronic devices, making them unreliable and difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A safety module with a simplified electrical circuit comprising a first and second terminal, an actuator, a closing switch, a blocking switch, and a multiple switch with elastic laminas, allowing for parallel connection of closing and blocking circuit branches to the actuator, enabling compact and reliable door-locking with integrated switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex circuit configurations with more than 2 terminals are used, then the door-lock device can detect closure and lock states, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple circuit functions into a single integrated circuit board with exactly two terminals. The closure detection circuit and lock state detection circuit are merged and connected in parallel between the two terminals, eliminating the need for multiple separate terminals and reducing circuit complexity while maintaining full detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit board performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects both door closure state and lock state, provides electrical connection, and enables safety control. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components and terminals.
2Reliability
If traditional door-lock devices are designed, then they can perform locking function, but they lack compactness and cannot be installed in reduced spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the circuit board, closure switch, blocking switch, and actuator into a single integrated door-lock device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting spaces for individual components, enabling compact installation in reduced spaces while maintaining all locking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is arranged within the door-lock device structure such that the closing switch and blocking switch are positioned on opposite sides of the actuator. This nested arrangement optimizes space utilization and enables compact overall device dimensions.
3Reliability
If integrated electronic devices are used, then the circuit becomes more robust and maintenance is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the closing switch, blocking switch, and actuator into a single manufactured unit. This integration ensures proper alignment and electrical connections are built-in during manufacturing, reducing assembly complexity and improving reliability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit board is divided into distinct functional regions: the closing detection circuit, the lock state detection circuit, and the actuator control circuit. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently during manufacturing while maintaining overall integration and robustness.
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, reliable, and cost-effective door-lock device with reduced components, capable of adapting to different electrical configurations, ensuring safe operation by detecting door closure and lock states efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic lamina, which is one of the contacts of said closing switch, a second elastic lamina, which constitutes one of the contacts of said blocking switch
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a safety module (M) for a door-lock device, intended to block a door of a household appliance, comprising a first terminal (1), a second terminal (2), an actuator (3) arranged between said first terminal (1) and said second terminal (2), a closing switch (4), provided with contacts (41, 42), associated with said door of said household appliance and arranged on a closing circuit branch (81), and a blocking switch (6), provided with contacts (61, 62), functionally associated with said actuator (3) and arranged on a blocking circuit branch (82), wherein said closing circuit branch (81 ) and said blocking circuit branch (82) are parallel connected to each other, a multiple switch (9), in its turn comprising a first elastic lamina (9a), which is one of the contacts (41, 42) of said closing switch (4), a second elastic lamina (9b), which constitutes one of the contacts (61, 62) of said blocking switch (6), and a common electric support (9c), which said first (9a) and said second (9b) elastic lamina are coupled to, said multiple switch (9) being made of a single piece, and wherein said closing circuit branch (81) and said blocking circuit branch (82) are series connected to said actuator (3).