Magnetically Activated Door-Lock for Reduced Complexity in Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door-lock devices for household appliances, such as washing machines, are bulky and complex due to their electromechanical design, leading to complications in assembly and increased economic costs.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically activated control unit with an electromagnet, solenoid, switching assembly, and safety switch, which uses a solenoid with an air gap and a switching assembly to kinematically constrain the locking pin, allowing for reduced component count and simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electromechanical control unit is used in the door-lock device, then the locking function can be achieved, but the device dimensions and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electromechanical control unit with a magnetic field-based control system. An electromagnet generates a magnetic field that directly actuates a magnetically responsive element (such as a magnet or ferromagnetic component) connected to the locking pin, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, gears, and mechanical actuators while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical components from the control unit. By using a direct magnetic field actuation mechanism, the patent removes intermediate mechanical elements such as levers, springs, and mechanical connectors, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing device complexity while preserving the essential locking function.
2Reliability
If a traditional electromechanical control unit is used, then the locking function is reliable, but the number of components and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components into a integrated magnetic actuation system. The electromagnet, magnetically responsive element, and locking pin are combined into a unified assembly where the magnetic field directly transmits force from the electromagnet to the locking pin through the responsive element, eliminating the need for separate mechanical linkages and reducing assembly steps.
3Ease of operation
If an electromagnet with solenoid is used to change polarity, then the locking pin can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic polarity reversal instead of mechanical positioning mechanisms to control the locking pin. By simply reversing the polarity of the solenoid current, the magnetic field direction changes, which directly actuates the magnetically responsive element to move the locking pin between locked and unlocked positions, replacing complex mechanical positioning systems with a simple electrical control mechanism.
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 provides a compact, low-current consumption, and low-voltage power supply door-lock mechanism that effectively manages the locking and unlocking of appliance doors with reduced complexity and economic advantages.
Implementation Method 1
said control unit further comprises an electromagnet having a solenoid electrically powered, in order to change its polarity
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnet having a solenoid electrically powered, in order to change its polarity
Implementation Method 3
a switching assembly comprising a magnet, said switching assembly being arranged in said air gap, and being capable to assume a first and a second position, according to the polarity of the magnetic field in said air gap
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a door-lock device for a household appliance, said door-lock device comprising a mechanical unit, provided with a movable member, such as a slider and the like, capable of assuming a releasing position, in which it allows the opening of said door, and a locking position, for retaining said door when closed, and a control unit connected with the control logic of said household appliance, comprising a locking pin capable of assuming at least one position, in which it is disengaged from said movable member, and an extracted position, in which said locking pin is capable of engaging with said movable member, when the latter is in said locking position, said movable member being capable to pass from said locking position to said releasing position when said locking pin is disengaged from it.