Electromagnetic Door Latch With Push-Push Pawl Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic blocking devices for front-loading washing machines are complex, expensive, and cumbersome, requiring two pulses to release the pawl while using a single pulse for blocking, and lack simplicity and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A simplified electromagnetic blocking device using a push-push retaining device with an electromagnet and a pre-loaded spring, where a single pulse blocks the pawl and two consecutive pulses release it, utilizing a mechanism similar to that found in ball-point pens to control the pawl's position, resulting in a more reliable, cost-effective, and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex electromagnetic blocking device with multiple components is used, then the blocking function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electromagnetic actuator, retaining device, and spring mechanism into a single integrated assembly that fits within the pawl housing. The electromagnetic actuator directly drives the retaining device which in turn controls the pawl position, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator serves multiple functions: it provides the blocking force, drives the retaining device, and controls the pawl position through a single component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts needed and simplifies the overall device structure while achieving the required blocking reliability.
2Reliability
If a complex electromagnetic blocking device with multiple components is used, then the blocking function is achieved, but the manufacturing and assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the electromagnetic actuator, retaining device, and spring into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing complexity and assembly costs while maintaining the reliable blocking function through the coordinated action of the combined components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring provides automatic resetting of the retaining device after the electromagnetic actuator releases the pawl. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems to reset the blocking device, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable operation.
3Reliability
If a complex electromagnetic blocking device with multiple components is used, then the blocking function is achieved, but the device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the retaining device and spring mechanism within the housing of the electromagnetic actuator. The retaining device fits inside the actuator housing, and the spring is contained within the retaining device assembly. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume of the blocking device while maintaining all necessary components for reliable pawl control.
4Reliability
If a complex electromagnetic blocking device with multiple components is used, then the blocking function is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential blocking function from a complex multi-component system and implements it using a simplified assembly of three main components: electromagnetic actuator, retaining device, and spring. By removing unnecessary intermediate mechanisms and directly connecting these core components, the device achieves reliable blocking function with a much simpler and less cumbersome structure.
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 allows for efficient blocking and releasing of the pawl with reduced manufacturing and assembly costs, achieving high reliability and simplicity while maintaining the same functionality as existing devices, with a more compact structure.
Implementation Method 1
the control means of the pawl comprise an electromagnet having a winding and a mobile core along the axis of the winding
Implementation Method 2
a pre-loaded spring sandwiched between the retaining device and a contrast shoulder fixed in use to the support
Data Source
AI summary
A blocking device for a door of an electric household appliance in which a plate sliding on a support is selectively blocked in use in a engaging position with a striker of the door by a pawl selectively mobile between an extracted position and a retracted position from/into a sliding seat thereof, in which positions the pawl respectively engages/does not engage a perforation of the plate; wherein the pawl is selectively blocked in an extracted position by means of an electromagnet having a winding and a core mobile along the axis of the winding and operatively associated to a mobile slide parallel to the axis of the winding between a first and a second limit stop position, only in the first of which a protrusion of the slide cooperates with the pawl; a retaining device of push-push type being operatively associated on one side to the slide and on the opposite side to a pre-loaded spring sandwiched between the retaining device and a shoulder fixed in use to the support; the push-push device being configured to block the slide in the first limit stop position following a single energizing pulse of the electromagnet and to release the slide, so as to allow the spring to take it to the second limit stop position, following two consecutive energizing pulses of the electromagnet.