Electromechanical closing device for appliance doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical locking devices for appliance doors, particularly in hot appliances, face challenges due to limited installation space and temperature sensitivity, leading to reduced safety standards and increased wear on electronic components.
Innovation Solution
The locking device features a spatially separated actuating unit and lock connected via a mechanical connecting element, with the connecting element arranged in a freewheel device at one end, allowing for movement transmission without active actuation, optimizing installation space and protecting electronic components from temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the actuating unit and lock are integrated as a single unit, then the device complexity is reduced and installation space is minimized, but the electronic components are exposed to temperature fluctuations which increases wear and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into two separate structural units: the lock unit (with mechanical components) and the actuating unit (with electronic components). This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific functional requirements and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating unit with temperature-sensitive electronic components is extracted from the hot appliance interior environment and positioned in a cooler location, while only the heat-resistant lock unit remains in the high-temperature zone. This extraction protects sensitive components from thermal stress.
2Area of stationary object
If the actuating unit is positioned close to the lock for compact installation, then installation space is optimized, but the connecting element becomes shorter which reduces the effectiveness of temperature protection
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting element acts as an intermediary between the actuating unit and the lock, transmitting actuation forces while providing thermal isolation. The connecting element serves as a mechanical bridge that allows spatial separation without compromising functional connectivity.
3Reliability
If the lock and actuating unit are separated into different structural units, then electronic components are protected from temperature fluctuations, but the device complexity increases due to additional connecting elements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the actuating unit and lock is achieved through a mechanical connecting element rather than a rigid integrated structure. This mechanical substitution allows for flexible positioning and thermal isolation while maintaining reliable force transmission for actuation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the connecting element is made longer to increase temperature protection, then electronic components are better shielded from heat, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial arrangement of the connecting element is optimized by utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. The connecting element can be positioned to extend in directions that maximize thermal isolation while minimizing the projected footprint and overall installation space requirements.
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
This design enhances safety by allowing manual door operation without actuator movement, reducing wear and maintenance, and ensuring effective temperature protection for electronic components, thus meeting safety standards while conserving installation space.
Implementation Method 1
the latch (06) is connected to an elastic element (11), which, at an end (12) facing away from the latch (06), bears against a movable stop (13)
Implementation Method 2
an end (10) of the connecting element (05) arranged in the freewheel device (08)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to an appliance and an electromechanical closing device for appliance doors (27), particularly for device doors (27) of heating appliances, wherein the closing device (01) comprises a lock (02) for receiving and securing a closure element (04), particularly a door-side element, having at least two closing stages and an actuator (03) for transferring the lock (02) into at least a part of the various closing stages, and wherein the actuator (03) and the lock (02) are executed as separate structural units spaced apart from each other and the actuator (03) is connected to the lock (02) by a connecting element (05).