Door-locking device for self-cleaning household ovens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current door-locking devices for self-cleaning household ovens are complex and require multiple springs and a separate microswitch to detect the door position, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A simplified door-locking device with a reduced number of components that uses a combination of elastic means and an electromagnetic switch, eliminating the need for external microswitches, and incorporates a transmission mechanism and auxiliary slider to determine the door's position, allowing for a more straightforward locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple springs and separate microswitches are used in the door-locking device, then the door position detection and locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the door position detection function and locking function into a single integrated electromagnetic switch assembly. The electromagnetic switch serves dual purposes: it detects door position through its actuator mechanism and simultaneously controls the locking action, eliminating the need for separate microswitches and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable detection and locking functions
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic switch is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both position detection and locking control. The actuator mechanism within the electromagnetic switch detects door position while the same component triggers the locking mechanism, making the device more efficient by having one component perform multiple functions rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function
2Ease of operation
If multiple springs are used to implement various movements, then the locking mechanism functionality is achieved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary springs from the traditional door-locking mechanism. By using the electromagnetic switch as the primary actuator, the design removes redundant mechanical springs while retaining essential elastic elements only where absolutely necessary for basic locking functionality, thereby reducing the total number of components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-based actuation system with an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnetic switch uses electromagnetic force instead of mechanical springs to drive the locking mechanism, significantly reducing the number of mechanical components required while maintaining full locking functionality
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 safer, more reliable, and less complex door-locking mechanism that effectively prevents door opening during the self-cleaning process without the need for additional microswitches, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of damage from improper door closure.
Implementation Method 1
a main slider (22) movable relative to the support (12) along a longitudinal direction (A) between an extracted position and a retracted position, the main slider (22) being pushed towards the extracted position by first elastic means
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic switch (56) secured in the rear seat (18) of the support (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A door-locking device for a self-cleaning oven includes a support configured to be fixed to a frame of the oven. A main slider is movable relative to the support along a longitudinal rectilinear direction, and is configured to be pushed elastically towards an extracted position and pushed by the door of the oven towards a retracted position. A locking arm is coupled to the support around an articulation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal rectilinear direction and oscillates around the articulation axis between an unlocked position and a locked position. A transmission mechanism connects the locking arm to the main slider and is arranged to swing the locking arm from the unlocked position to the locked position and vice versa via movement of the main slider from the extracted position to the retracted position, and vice versa. An electromagnetic switch includes an electromagnet that drives a movable member associated with a locking pin arranged to lock the main slider in the retracted position.