Stamped Door Latch Structure for Simpler Dishwasher Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for household appliances, such as dishwashers, are complex and expensive to produce, necessitating a simpler implementation.
Innovation Solution
A locking device featuring a stamped engagement section in the form of a trough on the closing element, which interacts with a locking hook or pin integrated in the housing, eliminating the need for openings in the door and simplifying manufacturing by integrating the trough directly into the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking devices with separate locking plates and openings are used, then reliable locking is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate and engagement section are merged into a single integrated component. The engagement section is directly stamped into the door panel, eliminating the need for separate locking plates and reducing the number of parts. This integration maintains locking reliability while significantly simplifying the overall structure and reducing production complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement section is extracted as a separately manufacturable stamped component that can be produced independently and then integrated with the door panel. This allows for specialized manufacturing of the engagement section using stamping processes, simplifying the overall production while maintaining the functional integrity of the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If traditional locking devices with multiple separate components are used, then secure locking is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the locking plate and engagement section into one component, the number of parts to be manufactured, stored, and assembled is reduced. This integration lowers production costs through reduced material usage, simplified manufacturing processes, and decreased assembly requirements, while maintaining secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement section is designed as a stamped component that can be produced cost-effectively using standard stamping processes. This approach replaces expensive multi-component assemblies with a more economical single-piece or integrated component structure, reducing overall production costs while maintaining adequate locking security.
3Ease of operation
If openings are provided in the door for locking mechanisms, then locking function is enabled, but water ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design converts the potential harm of openings into a benefit by creating a sealed integration between the engagement section and door panel. The stamped engagement section is formed as part of the door structure itself, eliminating open holes and potential water ingress paths while maintaining the necessary locking functionality through the integrated design.
4Reliability
If complex locking devices are used, then reliable locking is achieved, but internal space for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the engagement section into the door panel reduces the overall volume occupied by the locking mechanism. By eliminating separate locking plates and reducing the number of components, more internal space becomes available for other appliance components while maintaining reliable locking functionality through the streamlined integrated design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for locking a movable closing element (3), especially a door, cover, flap, or similar on a household appliance, particularly a dishwasher. Said locking device comprises a closing hook (5) or closing pin which is disposed on the housing (1) of the household appliance and can be made to engage with an engaging section in the closing element (3) during locking and be made to disengage therefrom during unlocking. The engaging section is formed by a cavity (6) in the closing element (3).