Oven Door Latch Cam Module for Locking and Auto-Open
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking devices face challenges in integrating a secure lock function for self-cleaning with a separate automatic opening function for the door, leading to increased components, production costs, and occupied volume, while also requiring a reliable safety function and complex drive control.
Innovation Solution
A latch module that incorporates manual lock, secure lock, and automatic opening functions using a single latch with one drive source and power transmission structure, employing kinematic interference for secure locking and elastic forces for manual operation, and a cam mechanism to control the latch's position and function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate secure lock device and automatic opening device are applied, then safety function and automatic opening function are achieved, but number of components and occupied volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secure lock device and automatic opening device into a single integrated door control module. The motor serves as a common drive source that can operate in different modes: providing secure locking force through the transmission mechanism during self-cleaning, and enabling automatic door opening when needed. This merging eliminates the need for separate motors and reduces the overall number of components while maintaining both safety and automatic opening functions
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to serve both secure locking and automatic opening operations. The mechanism can transmit the motor's force to maintain secure locking during self-cleaning operations, and also can be controlled to release the lock for automatic door opening. This universal design allows one component to perform multiple functions, reducing the total component count
2Quantity of substance
If multiple functions are incorporated in one module, then number of components is reduced, but drive control becomes complicated and more switches are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The door control module incorporates a self-diagnosis function that automatically detects the state of the door lock and the position of the door without requiring multiple external switches. The control unit monitors the motor's operation and the transmission mechanism's state, enabling the system to self-assess its condition and determine whether the door is locked or unlocked. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional switches and simplifies the control architecture
3Ease of manufacture
If door control module is initialized without proper structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but door may accidentally open during initialization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary initialization routine that is automatically executed when the appliance is first powered on or after a power outage. During this preliminary action, the control unit activates the motor to drive the transmission mechanism and position the door lock in a predetermined safe state (locked position). This preliminary positioning ensures that before the appliance begins normal operation, the door is guaranteed to be in a secure, non-accidentally-openable state, thus preventing safety issues without complicating the manufacturing process
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 allows for a compact design with reduced components, ensuring safe and reliable operation by preventing accidental door opening during initialization and simplifying control with fewer switches, while maintaining manual and automatic opening capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body that moves the latch to rotate in a first direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A latch module for controlling an opening and a closing of a door (20) of an appliance includes a latch (50), a spring (90) that applies an elastic force to the latch, a motor (60); and a cam (70) that contacts a contact surface (55) of the latch and is coupled to the motor to drive the cam to pivot the latch. The cam (70) includes a first radius (731), a second radius (732), and a third radius (733) in a circumferential direction at an outer circumference of the cam. The latch is positioned at a first basic position when the first radius (731) of the cam contacts the contact surface of the latch, positioned at a second basic position when the second radius (732) of the cam contacts the contact surface of the latch, and positioned at a third basic position when the third radius (733) of the cam contacts the contact surface of the latch.