Floating Latch Mechanism for Aging Door Gasket Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching mechanisms for household appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, fail to effectively accommodate the aging of door gaskets, leading to potential water leakage as the gasket compresses and changes in size, requiring a stop mechanism that can adjust to varying axial separations and prevent leakage.
Innovation Solution
A wedge-shaped stop mechanism that moves laterally to bridge different axial separations between the latch frame and the floating carriage, combined with a hook cam design that reduces closure force and a single-acting solenoid actuator for locking and unlocking, allowing for efficient sealing and power conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed stop mechanism is used in floating latch designs, then the latch can be locked when the gasket is new, but the stop cannot accommodate gasket aging and axial separation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism is made movable along the latch frame to dynamically adjust its position. The stop can laterally move to bridge varying axial separations between the latch frame and floating carriage as the gasket ages, transforming from a fixed to a dynamic configuration that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop mechanism utilizes lateral motion (perpendicular to the axial separation direction) to compensate for axial separation changes. By moving in a different dimension (lateral direction), the stop can maintain engagement across varying axial distances without requiring complex axial adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wedge-shaped stop mechanism is used to bridge axial separations, then adaptability to gasket aging is improved, but lateral motion requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped stop converts axial separation adjustments into lateral motion. Instead of requiring large axial adjustments, the wedge geometry allows the stop to laterally move along the latch frame, using lateral dimension to compensate for axial variations with minimal force requirements.
3Extent of automation
If a bi-directional solenoid is used for locking, then locking functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases compared to single-acting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power-consuming function from the solenoid, using it only for unlocking (one direction). The locking function is achieved through the spring mechanism that naturally returns the carriage to the locked position, eliminating the need for a power-consuming locking solenoid coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the floating carriage to the locked position after unlocking. This mechanical self-service replaces the need for an electrically actuated locking mechanism, reducing power consumption.
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 prevents water leakage by adjusting to the gasket's aging state, reduces closure force, and eliminates the need for high contact forces, ensuring a secure and efficient locking mechanism suitable for thermoplastic components.
Implementation Method 1
U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,270 to Spiessl shows a variation on Burke in which the latch spring is compressed when the door is opened and this energy is released when the door is closed, assisting the user in compressing the door gasket.
Implementation Method 2
In a preferred embodiment this stop is wedge-shaped so that lateral motion can bridge any given axial separation distance.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch for an appliance or the like provides a floating bolt assembly spring biasing a door against a sealing gasket in different positions depending on gasket compliance. A lock provides a stop that may adjustably bridge a distance between the latch frame and the floating bolt assembly as the gasket ages thereby providing positive locking of the door over the life of the appliance.