Domestic Appliance Door Locking Assembly for Manual and Automatic Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking arrangements for household appliances, such as dishwashers, are complex and prone to errors, lacking reliable mechanisms for secure door locking and easy manual opening, especially during power failures and in designs without handles.
Innovation Solution
A locking arrangement featuring a mechanical energy store for secure door locking and a drive unit for automatic opening, allowing manual operation and integration with sensor systems for program-controlled unlocking, utilizing a combination of springs, rocker arms, and actuators for efficient power transmission and safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking arrangement uses only an energy store to lock the door, then reliable locking is achieved, but automatic opening capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mechanical energy store (spring) with an electrical drive unit in a single locking arrangement. The energy store provides reliable mechanical locking, while the drive unit enables automated opening through electrical actuation, merging two different actuation mechanisms into one integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be actuated manually by door closure, automatically by the drive unit, or held in position by the energy store. This multi-functionality allows the same component to handle both reliable locking and automated opening operations.
2Ease of operation
If the locking element is held against the closing force of the energy store, then manual opening is enabled, but the door may not remain securely locked
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be held in intermediate positions against the energy store's closing force. This dynamic positioning enables manual opening capability while maintaining secure locking when engaged, as the element can be temporarily displaced but returns to its locked position when released.
3Extent of automation
If a complex locking arrangement is used to enable automatic opening, then automation is achieved, but error-proneness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy store automatically returns the locking element to its locked position after the drive unit has moved it to the open position. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex control systems and multiple actuators, thereby lowering error-proneness while maintaining automation capability.
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
Ensures reliable door locking during power failures and enables easy manual opening, supports handle-less designs, and allows for program-controlled unlocking, enhancing operational safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an energy store (5), with the aid of which the locking element (2) can be moved from the open position into the locking position
Implementation Method 2
a drive unit (4), with the aid of which the locking element (2) can be moved from the locking position into the open position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
- The locking assembly comprises a locking element (2) that is arranged between an open position and a locked position, and is moved by engaging with a retaining element (3) which is provided on a main structure (18) or on a door (19). Clamping force is exerted by an energy accumulator (5) arranged on the locking element, for moving from the open position into the locked position. The locking element is moved by a drive unit (4) from the locked position into the open position, against closing force. An independent claim is included for household appliance.