Push Door Lock Mechanism With Torsion Spring Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-and-push door lock devices in home appliances suffer from complexity, frequent malfunctions due to excessive force on torsion springs, and manual door lock devices are inconvenient with irregular force application, leading to instability.
Innovation Solution
A push door lock device with a locker and latch mechanism using torsion springs and micro switches, featuring organic component coupling and compact design, with a locking lever and locker lever for stable operation and reduced malfunction risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a push-and-push door lock device with driving unit and sensing member is used, then automatic door opening function is achieved, but device complexity increases and control becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex driving unit and sensing member from the door lock device. Instead of using a motor-driven cam mechanism with position detection, the invention uses a simple torsion spring-based mechanical return system that automatically opens the door through elastic recovery, removing the need for electronic control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The door lock device uses the torsion spring to automatically return the door to the open position after closing, without requiring external power sources, motors, or control systems. The mechanical energy stored in the torsion spring during door closing automatically performs the door opening function, making the system self-sufficient.
2Reliability
If excessive force is applied to the torsion spring to ensure locking reliability, then locking strength improves, but malfunction frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the torsion spring parameters (wire diameter, coil diameter, number of turns, material properties) to achieve the appropriate balance between locking force and spring stress. By carefully selecting spring constants and pre-tension values, the system maintains reliable locking without subjecting the spring to excessive forces that would cause fatigue or failure.
3Device complexity
If manual operation is used to simplify the device structure, then device complexity decreases, but ease of operation deteriorates due to irregular force application
Solution Approach 1:
The door lock device automatically performs the locking and unlocking functions through mechanical coupling between the door movement and the locking mechanism. When the door is closed, the locking lever is automatically engaged; when the door opens, the torsion spring automatically returns the mechanism to the unlocked position, eliminating the need for manual manipulation by the user.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented to reduce device size, then volume decreases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components into consolidated structures where possible. For example, the locking lever and its mounting features are formed as integral parts, and the torsion spring is directly mounted to fixed structures within the door assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps, maintaining compact size while reducing cumulative tolerances.
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 device achieves a compact size, stable operation with fewer malfunctions, and limited load acting on components, ensuring reliable performance in home appliances.
Implementation Method 1
a first torsion spring installed at a first center and receiving a rotational force in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
a latch that rotates about a second center attached to one side, has a second torsion spring installed and receives a rotational force in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A push door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a locker that fixes a hook, has a first torsion spring installed at a first center and receives a rotational force in a first direction, and a latch that rotates about a second center attached to one side, has a second torsion spring installed and receives a rotational force in a second direction, wherein the locker includes a seating portion formed by a first ring and a second ring to which the hook is fastened, an engaging portion protruding from a lower portion of the second ring, an engaging piece having a bent shape at one end of the engaging portion, and a groove portion having a recessed shape on an outer edge, and the latch includes a first inclined surface that is an edge formed toward the locker, a second inclined surface that is an edge formed toward the locker and separated from the first inclined surface at a different height, a receiving portion in which the engaging piece is accommodated to fix the locker, and a protruding piece having a shape obliquely bent at one edge of the receiving portion.