Microwave Oven Door Latch with Pivoting Hook and Push Button
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave oven doors lack efficient and user-friendly latching mechanisms that ensure secure closure and easy opening, often requiring complex manual operations or unreliable locking systems.
Innovation Solution
A latch system with a pivotable latch hook and push button mechanism that allows for secure locking and unlocking of the microwave oven door by pivoting about an axis, enabling automatic locking and unlocking through a spring-biased mechanism and a ramped surface for hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the door can be locked securely, but the opening operation requires complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The latch hook is designed to automatically disengage from the strike plate when the door is pulled open, without requiring manual manipulation. The spring mechanism provides automatic resetting, making the system self-serving during the opening cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The latch hook transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic unlocked position through pivoting motion. The spring mechanism dynamically adjusts the latch hook position based on door movement, enabling automatic locking and unlocking
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the door remains firmly locked during cooking, but the unlocking process becomes difficult without manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system automatically unlocks when the door is pulled, eliminating the need for manual unlocking operations. The spring mechanism self-resets the latch hook to the unlocked position after door opening
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism pre-positions the latch hook in a ready-to-lock state, and the ramped surface on the strike plate preliminarily guides the latch hook into the locked position, ensuring reliable locking without manual intervention
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple latch design is used, then the mechanism is easy to manufacture, but the locking security is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is divided into distinct functional components: the latch hook, the spring mechanism, and the ramped strike plate. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with standard processes while ensuring proper assembly and function
Solution Approach 2:
The ramped surface on the strike plate uses a curved geometric profile to guide the latch hook into the locked position. This curved surface ensures reliable engagement while maintaining a simple manufacturing process
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave oven includes a housing, a door, and a latch. The housing defines a first internal cavity configured to receive food. The door is rotatably secured to the housing, defines a second internal cavity, and has a handle. The door is configuring to pivot relative to the housing to transition the door between an open position and a closed position. The latch is disposed within the second internal cavity. The latch has a hook and a push button. The hook protrudes outward from second internal cavity and toward the housing. The hook is configured to engage and disengage the housing to lock and unlock the door to and from the housing, respectively. The push button is rigidly interconnected with the hook. The hook is configured to disengage the housing in response to depression of the push button.