Self-adjusting Lock System for White Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
In white appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, the locking mechanism fails to allow hatch closure due to unknown reasons, leading to premature breakage of the lock bolt housing and requiring technical service intervention.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting locking system that converts horizontal motion into vertical motion within the lock bolt housing using a spring mechanism, preventing the lock bolt housing from closing prematurely and ensuring proper hatch locking without rotating the lock bolt housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock bolt housing switches to closed position by extraneous force while the hatch is open, then the locking mechanism prevents hatch closure, but the lock bolt housing should allow hatch closure even in this state
Solution Approach 1:
The lock bolt housing is made dynamically adjustable through a cam mechanism that allows rotation between locked and unlocked positions. This enables the system to adapt its state based on operational needs, allowing hatch closure even when the lock bolt housing initially switches to closed position due to extraneous force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the lock bolt housing by rotating it around its axis using the cam mechanism. This parameter change transforms the housing from a closed (locked) state to an open (unlocked) state, enabling hatch closure while maintaining the integrity of the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If the lock bolt housing is prevented from rotating during collision action, then the horizontal motion conversion is achieved, but the spring mechanism must absorb all collision forces
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the lock bolt housing and the spring. It converts the horizontal collision forces into vertical motion of the lock bolt within the housing, reducing the direct force burden on the spring while maintaining system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism changes the direction parameter of the applied force, converting horizontal collision forces into vertical motion. This parameter transformation allows the spring to handle forces in its optimal direction while achieving the desired locking action.
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
Enables reliable hatch closure by maintaining the lock bolt housing in a stable position, preventing premature closure and reducing the need for technical service, thus enhancing user convenience and appliance reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The self-adjusting locking system according to the invention can convert a horizontal motion into a vertical motion in the lock bolt housing (2) inside the gliding channel located on the lock body (1) by using the available spring (3) of the lock group
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is a lock system that can be used in the entire sector of white appliances and characterized by comprising a lock bolt (4) that fits into its seat through the stretching of the lock bolt housing (6) by means of the spring (3) located on the body (1) and a mechanism that allows the machine hatch to be closed by restoring the lock bolt housing (2) back to its former position even if the lock bolt housing (2) is in closed position.