Industrial Washer Door Locking Mechanism with Sensor-Verified Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial washers lack a mechanism to ensure that all doors are securely fastened shut before initiating the wash sequence, leading to potential damage and user injury due to unintended door opening during operation.
Innovation Solution
A door locking mechanism with a moveable locking pin and sensor system that only permits operation when all doors are securely shut, utilizing a locking bracket and sensor configuration to detect the closed position of each door before allowing the washing sequence to begin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the washer allows operation without requiring doors to be securely fastened, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and safety deteriorate due to potential door opening during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is activated automatically when the door is closed, performing the locking action before the wash cycle begins. The controller verifies door closure and engages the locking pins prior to operation, ensuring doors are secured without requiring manual intervention from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from sensors that detect whether doors are properly closed and locked. The system continuously monitors the locked state through sensor signals and only permits operation when confirmation is received that all doors are securely fastened, creating a closed-loop safety verification system.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with sensor verification is implemented, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it mechanically secures the door closed, provides a positive locked position through engagement of locking pins with slots, and interfaces with the sensor system to verify closure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pins are positioned within recesses in the door that align with slots in the washer body when closed. The pins nest within these recesses and engage the slots, creating a compact integrated locking structure where components fit within each other rather than requiring separate mounting spaces.
3Reliability
If the locking pin is positioned to engage with the locking pin receiving slot only when the door is closed, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted door movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins are designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions rather than fixed. When the door is opened, the pins automatically disengage from the slots and can move freely. This dynamic design allows the pins to provide secure locking during operation while not interfering with door opening and closing actions.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to a washer that will not start the wash sequence until each door is securely fastened shut. In exemplary embodiment, the washer may include at least one door having a locking mechanism that has at least one locking pin. The locking pin may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. When the door is shut, the locking pin may be received in a locking pin slot that is disposed in the body of the washer. The locking mechanism may also include a locking bracket that may be engaged with a locking hasp only when the locking pin is in the locked position. The washer may also include a sensor in communication with the controller. The controller only permits the operation of the washer when the sensor detects the locking bracket is engaged with the locking hasp.