Door lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door locks for household appliances lack efficient mechanisms for locking and unlocking, often requiring significant force and not providing a clear perception of control during operation, and are not adaptable to various latch shapes.
Innovation Solution
A door lock design featuring a slider with elastic components and locking arms that change spring force direction during movement, allowing for smooth locking and unlocking with reduced material strength requirements and adaptability to different latch shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional door lock mechanism is used, then the door can be locked and unlocked, but significant force is required and clear perception of control is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism acts as a counterweight force that provides resistance during door closing (first stroke) and assistance during door opening (second stroke). This creates a balanced force system where the spring force opposes the slider movement initially, then assists it, providing clear tactile feedback and perception of control without requiring excessive force from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force direction dynamically changes during slider movement. In the first stroke, the spring force acts opposite to the movement direction providing resistance; in the second stroke, the spring force acts in the movement direction providing assistance. This dynamic force adjustment enhances operational control perception while reducing overall force requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional locking mechanism is used, then locking function is achieved, but adaptability to various latch shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The slider mechanism serves multiple functions: it directly drives the locking arms, engages with the latch component, and coordinates the spring force application. This multi-functional design allows the same mechanism to adapt to various latch shapes without requiring complex additional components, as the slider's linear movement can accommodate different latch geometries while maintaining the core locking function.
3Reliability
If high material strength is used in the locking mechanism, then durability is improved, but material strength requirements and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism applies preliminary force to the slider, providing resistance during the first stroke and assistance during the second stroke. This preliminary action reduces the peak force requirements on the locking arms and other components, allowing for reduced material strength while maintaining durability. The spring pre-conditions the force application, preventing sudden high-stress events that would require stronger materials.
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
Enhances the perception of control during door opening and closing by providing resistance and assistance forces, reducing material strength needs and accommodating various latch shapes, thus improving operational efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a slider elastic device, the slider elastic device is configured to provide a spring force to the slider
Implementation Method 2
the pair of elastic components are torsion springs or springs
Data Source
AI summary
A door lock includes a housing, a locking unit, and a slider, wherein the locking unit is provided within the housing, the locking unit movable with respect to the housing so as to assume a locked position and a released position. The slider is connected to the locking unit is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the slider moves from the first position to the second position, the locking unit can move from the released position to the locked position. The door lock of the present disclosure provides a comfortable sense of control.