Electronic door opening system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door opening mechanisms in appliances, such as microwave ovens, often require separate handles and complex interlock systems, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential failures of multiple components simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An electronic door opening system that uses a resilient member and a gear member driven by a motor, activated by control circuitry upon a door open command, which operates independently of the latch and interlock switch systems, allowing for streamlined operation and reduced risk of component failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate handle and complex interlock system are used for door opening, then the door can be retained securely in closed position, but the device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening system is segmented into independent functional modules: the resilient member for urging the door open, the gear member for mechanical advantage, and the motor for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing interdependencies that cause complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the door opening function from the traditional handle and interlock system by introducing a motor-driven resilient member that operates independently. This extraction eliminates the need for complex mechanical interlocks and separate handles, reducing device complexity while maintaining secure door retention through the motor control system.
2Ease of operation
If multiple components are integrated in the door opening mechanism, then the door can be controlled precisely, but the risk of component failures affecting each other increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening mechanism is divided into functionally independent segments: the motor unit, the gear member, and the resilient member. Each segment can fail independently without causing cascading failures in other components, thereby improving reliability while maintaining precise control through the coordinated operation of these independent modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the actuation function into a separate motor-driven system that operates independently from the traditional mechanical interlock components. This extraction allows the door opening control to be achieved through electronic actuation of the resilient member, reducing the risk of mechanical failures affecting multiple components simultaneously.
3Force
If a resilient member is used to urge the door open, then the door opening force is improved, but the risk of contact with latch system and interlock switch system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear member serves as an intermediary between the motor and the resilient member, transmitting the actuation force while maintaining proper engagement. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the resilient member can exert sufficient door opening force without direct contact or interference with the latch system and interlock switch system, thereby preventing contact-related failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the force transmission function into a dedicated gear member that mediates between the motor and the resilient member. This extraction allows the resilient member to generate and apply door opening force independently without contacting the latch or interlock components, eliminating the risk of contact-induced failures while maintaining reliable force application.
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 system enables efficient and reliable door opening with reduced maintenance costs by separating the door opening mechanism from other components, allowing for easier replacement and minimizing the likelihood of component failures affecting each other.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member for urging the door from the closed position to the open position
Implementation Method 2
a motor configured to drive the gear member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic door opening system for an appliance is provided. The door opening system includes a resilient member having a pin that moves in a linear direction to urge an appliance door open. The door opening system further includes a toothed gear member configured to engage with the resilient member. The gear member may be driven by a motor to move the resilient member to urge the door from a closed position to an open position. Accordingly, upon receipt of a door opening command received from a user interface, the motor drives the gear to engage with the resilient member and open the door. The door opening mechanism includes components that are free from contact with other systems of the appliance. For example, in a microwave oven, the door opening system components may be free from contact with a door latch and an interlock switch system.