Cooking appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave ovens require a large force to close the door, which can lead to microwave leakage and user discomfort, necessitating an improved door locking mechanism that allows for easy closure with minimal force while maintaining a secure hold.
Innovation Solution
A latch device with a spring mechanism that provides an elastic force to assist in closing the door with reduced effort and enhances the locking force when the door is fully closed, incorporating a torsion spring and lever system to manage the door's rotation and locking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large latching force is used to secure the key member to the latch, then the door can be securely locked, but a large force is required to close the door
Solution Approach 1:
The spring's attachment position on the first lever is made movable along the rotation trajectory of the lever. During door closing, the spring transitions from a first position (providing small elastic force) to a second position (providing large elastic force), dynamically adjusting the force characteristics to match the operational requirements at different stages
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-positioned at the first position where it provides minimal resistance during the initial door closing motion, allowing easy door closure. As the door approaches the closed position, the spring automatically transitions to the second position to provide strong latching force for secure locking
2Ease of operation
If the spring provides large elastic force to assist door closure, then the door can be closed easily, but the holding force when the door is closed may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring's attachment position on the first lever is made movable along the rotation trajectory of the lever. During door closing, the spring transitions from a first position (providing small elastic force) to a second position (providing large elastic force), dynamically adjusting the force characteristics to match the operational requirements at different stages
Solution Approach 2:
The spring exerts different levels of elastic force at different stages of door operation: small force during closing assistance and large force during holding, creating a periodic variation in force magnitude that matches the operational cycle
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
Enables the door to be closed with a small force while maintaining a strong holding force, improving user experience and preventing microwave leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The spring may provide an elastic force to cause the first lever to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the door is being opened
Implementation Method 2
the spring may be a torsion spring, and the second end of the spring may be held to the body so as to prevent movement of the second end of the spring
Implementation Method 3
the spring may provide an elastic force to cause the first lever to rotate in the first direction in response to the second lever being pressed by the key member when the door is being closed
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance including a door; a key member on the door; a main body; and a latch device on the main body. The latch device includes a first lever, and a second lever that, when the door is being closed, is pressed by the key member to thereby cause the second lever to rotate in a first direction so as to press the first lever and thereby cause the first lever to rotate in the first direction. A spring holding portion is on the first lever. A first end of a spring is attached to the first lever and slidably held by the spring holding portion. A second end of the spring is attached to the body. The spring provides an elastic force to cause the first lever to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the door is being opened.