Pyrolytic Oven Door Glass Locking for Tool-Free Plate Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pyrolytic oven doors have complex and time-consuming assembly processes due to intricate mechanisms for locking and unlocking glass plates, which are also difficult to remove and replace without tools.

Innovation Solution

A domestic cooking oven door design featuring parallel upright beams and locking elements with a latch/unlatch mechanism, allowing for easy removal and locking of glass plates without tools, and a simplified assembly process using guiding portions and limit-stop supports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated locking mechanisms with screws are used to secure glass plates in the door, then the glass plates are securely locked in position, but the assembly process becomes particularly long and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of glass platesVSAvoidassembly process duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the screw fastening elements from the locking mechanism, extracting the time-consuming screwing operation. Instead, glass plates are retained solely by the elastic action of the clamping lever, which engages with the upright beam through a simple insertion motion without requiring any threaded fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the clamping lever with its elastic portion, the engagement portion, and the limiting portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling secure locking through simple mechanical engagement rather than complex multi-step fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If intricate locking mechanisms are used to secure glass plates, then the glass plates are firmly locked, but releasing the mechanism to enable removal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking stabilityVSAvoidease of plate removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping lever is designed to be actuated by the user's own hand during the removal operation. By pressing the lever, the user directly controls the release of the elastic clamping force, enabling easy plate removal without requiring external tools or complex release mechanisms. The system serves itself through simple manual actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If multiple fastening elements are used to secure glass plates, then the structural integrity of the door is maintained, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor structural integrityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Screw fastening elements are completely removed from the mechanism. The patent relies solely on the elastic clamping action of the lever to provide secure retention, eliminating the need for multiple fastening elements and significantly reducing mechanism complexity while maintaining adequate structural integrity for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the locking mechanism from mechanical fastening (screws) to elastic deformation (flexible clamping lever). This parameter change allows the mechanism to achieve secure locking through material elasticity rather than threaded engagement, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2930437B1Domestic cooking oven comprising a door
Publication Date: 2017.03.29 WHIRLPOOL EMEA SPA
  • EP2930437B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2930437B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2930437B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a door (3) of a domestic cooking oven (1), in particular of the pyrolytic type. The door (3) comprises at least a first and a second plate (31, 32) and a first and a second upright beam (8, 9). The first plate (31) defines an outer surface of the door (3) and the two upright beams (8, 9) receiving at least the second plate (32) are fixed internally relative thereto. The door (3) further comprises a first and a second locking element (14, 15) removably engaged to the first and second upright beams (8, 9) and configured to be selectively movable between an operating position, wherein they are engaged to the respective upright beams (8, 9) in such a way as to lock at least the second plate (32) in a mounting position, and at least one unlocked position, wherein they enable the second plate (32) to be extracted from the door (3).