Integrated Oven Door Latch Module for Secure Lock and Auto Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking devices face challenges in incorporating a secure lock function for self-cleaning with a separate automatic opening function while also allowing manual opening and closing, leading to increased components, production costs, and complexity, which complicates door control and may result in accidental door opening during initialization.
Innovation Solution
A latch module that integrates manual lock, secure lock, and automatic opening functions using a single latch with a single drive source and power transmission structure, employing kinematic interference between components to control the latch's position and operation, minimizing the number of switches and ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate secure lock device and automatic opening device are applied individually, then the door can be securely locked during self-cleaning and automatically opened, but the number of components increases and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secure lock device and automatic opening device into a single integrated latch module. The latch includes a hook that can engage with the door and a drive mechanism that provides both secure locking during self-cleaning and automatic opening functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate devices, reducing component count while maintaining both safety and automation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch module is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple operations: manual opening/closing, secure locking during self-cleaning, and automatic opening. The single drive mechanism can operate the latch in different modes depending on the operational state, making the component universal and eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Device complexity
If multiple functions are incorporated into a single latch module, then the number of components is reduced and production costs decrease, but the drive control becomes complicated and more switches may be needed
Solution Approach 1:
The latch module employs a dynamic control strategy where the drive mechanism can operate in different modes based on real-time conditions. The control system dynamically switches between manual operation mode, secure lock mode during self-cleaning, and automatic opening mode. This dynamic adaptability allows a single drive to handle multiple functions without requiring complex control logic for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch module incorporates initialization functionality that automatically determines its operational state when power is first applied. The system performs self-testing and self-configuration to ensure it starts in the correct state (secured or manual mode) without requiring user intervention or complex external control signals, thereby simplifying the overall control architecture.
3Reliability
If the latch module is initialized without proper control, then the door may accidentally open automatically during initialization, but proper initialization control adds complexity to the control system
Solution Approach 1:
The latch module performs preliminary initialization actions automatically when power is first applied. The drive mechanism executes a predetermined initialization sequence that tests the latch position, determines the appropriate operational mode, and configures the system state before normal operation begins. This preliminary action ensures the door will not accidentally open during initialization while keeping the control logic straightforward and integrated into the basic startup routine.
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 seamless integration of multiple functions within a cooking device, reducing component count and production costs, while ensuring accurate control and preventing accidental door opening during initialization, thus enhancing user safety and device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body that moves the latch to rotate in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
employing kinematic interference between components to control the latch's position and operation
Data Source
AI summary
A latch module incorporated with an automatic opening function and a secure lock function includes a latch, a spring that applies a force to move the latch in a first direction, a drive to move the latch in a second direction, a cam that transmits power of the drive to the latch, and first and second switches that are turned on and off by the cam. The first and second switches are in a first mode in which the two switches are turned on and the latch is disposed at a manual lock position, a second mode in which the first switch is turned on and the second switch is turned off and the latch is disposed at an opening position, a third mode in which the first switch is turned off and the second switch is turned on and the latch is in a secure lock position.