Home appliance using a latch module, and a controlling method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking devices face challenges in incorporating a secure lock function for self-cleaning with a separate automatic opening function, leading to increased components, production costs, and occupied volume, while also requiring complex drive control and potential initialization issues that may result in accidental door opening.
Innovation Solution
A latch module that integrates manual lock, automatic opening, and secure lock functions using a single latch with one drive source and power transmission structure, featuring a kinematic interference mechanism to control the latch positions and minimize switches, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate secure lock device and automatic opening device are applied, then door security and automatic opening functions are achieved, but the number of components increases and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secure lock device and automatic opening device into a single integrated latch module. The latch module includes a latch that can be positioned in multiple states (engaged for secure lock, disengaged for automatic opening) and is controlled by a single drive mechanism, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing component count while maintaining both security and automatic opening functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch module is designed to perform multiple functions: it can securely lock the door during self-cleaning operations, automatically open the door when needed, and allow manual opening and closing. A single latch mechanism with different positional states replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices, achieving multi-functionality within one component.
2Reliability
If separate secure lock device and automatic opening device are applied, then door security and automatic opening functions are achieved, but occupied volume in the cooking device increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the secure lock and automatic opening functions into a single latch module, the patent significantly reduces the space required compared to having separate devices. The integrated design allows both functions to share common components such as the latch body, drive mechanism, and mounting structure, thereby minimizing the occupied volume in the cooking device.
3Ease of operation
If multiple switches are installed to control the latch module, then door control functions are achieved, but occupied volume in the door control module increases and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch module incorporates a self-diagnostic and self-positioning capability through the cam mechanism. During initialization, the cam automatically rotates to determine its initial position by detecting the latch's current state, eliminating the need for external switches or complex control circuits. The system serves itself by using the mechanical configuration to provide control information.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the physical position of the latch into control information. Instead of using multiple switches to detect latch position, the cam's geometric profile mechanically indicates the latch state through its rotation position, simplifying the control system and reducing the number of electronic components required.
4Productivity
If the latch module is initialized without proper control, then the door control module starts operation, but the door may accidentally open automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary initialization sequence where the cam mechanism first determines its initial position by detecting the latch's current state before any automatic opening action is permitted. This preliminary positioning ensures that the system is in a known, safe state before operational commands are accepted, preventing accidental door opening during startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The initialization process incorporates feedback through the cam mechanism, which continuously monitors the latch position and uses this information to determine the appropriate initial state. The system waits for confirmation from the feedback mechanism (cam position detection) before proceeding with operation, ensuring that automatic opening only occurs when intentionally commanded rather than during initialization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A latch module incorporated with an automatic opening function and a secure lock function includes a latch, a spring that applies a force to move the latch in a first direction, a drive to move the latch in a second direction, a cam that transmits power of the drive to the latch, and first and second switches that are turned on and off by the cam. The first and second switches are in a first mode in which the two switches are turned on and the latch is disposed at a manual lock position, a second mode in which the first switch is turned on and the second switch is turned off and the latch is disposed at an opening position, a third mode in which the first switch is turned off and the second switch is turned on and the latch is in a secure lock position.