Latch assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch assemblies for appliance doors with outer and inner doors fail to provide a secure and efficient mechanism for coupling and uncoupling, particularly when magnetic seals are used, leading to potential inadvertent release or difficulty in opening.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly comprising a first cam with a contact surface and a second cam with a hook, where the second cam is biased by a spring to an unlocked position, and an actuation member is used to move the first cam into an inclined position, allowing secure engagement with an anchor when the outer door is closed, ensuring proper alignment and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a magnetic seal is used to couple the outer door to the inner door, then the door coupling is simplified and allows easy opening, but the door may be prone to inadvertent release due to insufficient locking force
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into outer door and inner door as separate components that can be independently positioned and secured. The latch assembly is further segmented into multiple cams (first cam, second cam) that perform distinct functions in the locking mechanism, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific role while working together to provide both secure locking and easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the outer door and inner door, providing a controlled interface for securing and releasing the doors. The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary that translates the actuation force into the necessary locking and unlocking motions, mediating between the user's opening action and the door coupling security requirement.
2Reliability
If a traditional latch mechanism is used to secure the outer door to the inner door, then door coupling security is improved, but the mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a compact latch assembly structure. The first cam and second cam are integrated within the same housing, sharing common mounting features and working spaces. The spring mechanism is integrated to simultaneously bias both cams, combining multiple securing functions into a unified device that maintains security without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism employs dynamic cam surfaces that change their effective geometry during operation. The cams rotate between locked and unlocked positions, with their contact surfaces providing different mechanical advantages at different stages of the cycle. This dynamic behavior allows a relatively simple rotating mechanism to perform the complex function of secure locking and controlled release.
3Reliability
If the latch assembly uses a spring-biased cam mechanism, then automatic return to locked position is achieved, but the force required to actuate the latch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism operates through periodic rotation, converting continuous actuation force into discrete locking and unlocking events. The spring provides periodic restoring force that returns the cams to their locked position after actuation. This periodic action allows the system to accumulate and release energy in controlled cycles, reducing the peak force required compared to continuous resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surfaces are designed with curved geometries that provide mechanical advantage throughout the rotation cycle. The cam profiles are shaped to gradually engage and disengage the locking surfaces, distributing the actuation force over an extended angular range rather than requiring sudden force application. This curved geometry reduces the peak force needed while maintaining reliable locking.
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 latch assembly ensures secure coupling and efficient operation by maintaining the outer door in a locked position until actuated, preventing inadvertent release and facilitating easy opening with a magnetic seal option.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be configured to bias the second cam to an unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
the outer door may be coupled to the inner door using a seal, such as a magnetic gasket
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance door closure assembly is provided and comprises an inner door selectively coupled with an outer door. An anchor is in connection with the inner door and defines a retention space. A latch assembly is in connection with the outer door. The latch assembly includes a first cam having a first contact surface and pivotally coupled to a base. A second cam has a second contact surface engaged with the first contact surface of the first cam. The latch assembly is movable between a first position and a second position.