Securement and release assembly for a component of an appliance, appliance including the same and oven including the same for a refillable water reservoir for use with steam cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for securing and releasing components in appliances, such as water reservoirs in ovens, are often complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A securement and release assembly featuring a sliding locking member that engages with a push-push latch to facilitate the insertion and removal of the water reservoir, utilizing a platform, track, and a spring to manage the latching and unlatching process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional securement mechanism is used for the water reservoir, then the water reservoir can be securely held in the oven, but the mechanism becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The securement mechanism is divided into distinct functional elements: a locking member with a locking surface, a push-push latch with a mating receiver, and a spring component. Each element performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve reliable engagement through simple, modular parts rather than a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism inverts the traditional approach by using a spring-loaded locking member that automatically engages with the push-push latch when the water reservoir is inserted. Instead of requiring complex actuators or motors to secure the reservoir, the system uses the insertion force itself to trigger the spring-loaded locking action, simplifying the overall mechanism.
2Reliability
If a complex securement mechanism is used, then reliable latching is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking member is designed to automatically engage and disengage without requiring external control systems, motors, or complex actuators. The spring provides the necessary force for both engagement and release, making the mechanism self-sufficient and eliminating the need for expensive controlled systems while maintaining reliable latching.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components such as a spring, a locking member with a basic locking surface, and a push-push latch. These components can be manufactured using standard machining or molding processes, avoiding the need for expensive precision components or electronic controls, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional reliability.
3Device complexity
If the locking member is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the water reservoir cannot be easily removed from the oven
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to slide along the track between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic capability enables the water reservoir to be easily inserted and removed by simply pushing or pulling, while the spring automatically returns the locking member to its engaged position, maintaining simplicity without sacrificing operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element between the locking member and the fixed structure. It provides the necessary force to automatically return the movable locking member to its engaged position after the water reservoir is inserted, eliminating the need for complex return mechanisms while maintaining simple overall structure and easy operation.
4Ease of operation
If the locking member slides along the track, then the water reservoir can be easily inserted and removed, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member serves multiple functions: it provides the locking surface for engagement, acts as a movable element that slides along the track to enable easy insertion and removal, and works in conjunction with the spring to automatically engage and disengage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, minimizing overall complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member and spring are combined into a single integrated assembly that works together to provide both the locking mechanism and the return force. The locking member with its locking surface is merged with the sliding capability along the track, eliminating the need for separate actuators or return springs, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining ease of insertion and removal.
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 assembly simplifies the mechanism, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures efficient insertion and removal of the water reservoir while maintaining secure engagement, thereby enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring of the securement and release assembly causes the locking member to push the water reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A securement and release assembly for an appliance component including: (a) a platform to couple to an appliance cabinet, the platform including a track; (b) a push-push latch attached to the platform including a mating feature receiver; and (c) a locking member slidably coupled to the track including a mating feature engagable with the mating feature receiver of the push-push latch, wherein (i) the locking member slides along the track toward the mating feature receiver to transition from an unlatched state not latched within the mating feature receiver, to a latched state, wherein the mating feature is inserted into the mating feature receiver and latched therein, (ii) the locking member interactable with the appliance component to secure the component to the appliance when the locking member takes the latched state, and (iii) the component can be decoupled from the locking member when the locking member takes the unlatched state.