Spring-Loaded Door Lock Hook for Fast Appliance Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking devices for domestic appliance doors are complex, require long reaction times, and have large outer dimensions, making them difficult to assemble and install, and are not easily switchable between engaged and disengaged states.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a locking hook element that is always in the engaged position, except when an electric actuator pivots it to the disengaged position, featuring a door sensing slide element and a sensor switch to detect door position, and a second spring element to move the actuating slide element away from the locking hook, allowing for fast and simple switching between states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional actuation systems (wax electro-thermal motor, solenoid, stepper motor) are used, then the locking device provides reliable locking function, but the reaction time is long and the device dimensions are large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from complex conventional actuation systems. By using a simple pivotable lever with a locking hook element that can be manually or electrically actuated to engage or disengage from a retention element, the invention eliminates the need for complex wax electro-thermal motors, solenoids, or stepper motors, thereby reducing reaction time and simplifying the structure while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex motors to actively engage the locking mechanism, the invention inverts the approach by using a spring element to automatically engage the locking hook into the retention element, with the actuation system only needing to actively disengage it when opening is required. This passive engagement approach simplifies the actuation system and reduces reaction time.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional locking devices with complex actuation systems are used, then the locking function is reliable, but the assembling and installation is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a main body with a pivotable lever, a separate retention element on the door, and an optional electric actuator. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying the overall assembling and installation process while maintaining reliable locking functionality through the coordinated interaction of these modular elements.
3Reliability
If a locking device always maintains engaged position, then the safety is improved, but the ease of manual release is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electric actuator that mediates between the user's opening request and the spring-loaded locking mechanism. When the door is in the closed position, the spring automatically engages the locking hook for safety. When opening is needed, the electric actuator temporarily disengages the lock, allowing the door to be opened while maintaining the overall safety function. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction between automatic safety engagement and manual release capability.
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 locking device achieves fast switching between engaged and disengaged states in less than 0.2 seconds, reduces outer dimensions, and simplifies assembly and installation, while providing a safe and secure locking mechanism for domestic appliances.
Implementation Method 1
A first spring element is interconnected between the main body and the locking hook element, wherein said first spring element effects that the locking hook element is pivoted into the engaged position
Implementation Method 2
a second spring element interconnected between the actuating slide element and the main body, wherein said second spring element effects a movement of said actuating slide element away from the locking hook element
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking device (10) for a door of a domestic appliance. The locking device (10) comprises a main body (12) and a locking hook element (14) supported pivoting in and/or at the main body (12). The locking hook element (14) is pivoting between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locking hook element (14) is engageable with and disengageable from a corresponding counterpart (40). The locking device (10) comprises an electric actuator (22) arranged in and/or at the main body (12) and mechanically connected or connectable to the locking hook element (14). The electric actuator (22) effects the pivoting of the locking hook element (14) from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The locking device (10) comprises a first spring element (26) interconnected between the locking hook element (14) and the main body (10), wherein said first spring element (26) effects a movement of the locking hook element (14) from the disengaged position to the engaged position.