Thermoactuated Door Lock Slide Without Mechanical Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock devices for household appliances, particularly washing machines, are complex and prone to malfunction due to detergent scale buildup and plastic deformation, leading to inaccurate positioning of components which can compromise safety and operation.
Innovation Solution
A door lock device where the actuator directly controls the movable element without intermediate mechanical transmission systems, using a thermoactuator that takes predefined end-of-travel positions to eliminate the need for external stop means, allowing self-adjustment and ensuring proper locking and unlocking of the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intermediate mechanical transmission systems are used to control the movable element, then the door lock device can achieve proper locking and unlocking, but the device becomes more complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate mechanical transmission systems (reducers, mechanical transmissions) from the door lock device, directly connecting the actuator to the movable element. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the mechanism while maintaining the essential locking and unlocking functionality through direct actuator control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical transmissions to control the movable element, the patent inverts the approach by having the actuator directly control the movable element without intermediaries. This inversion of the control mechanism eliminates the need for reducers and mechanical transmissions, achieving both simplification and reliability.
2Reliability
If mechanical transmission systems are included in the door lock device, then the locking mechanism can function properly, but the device becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes mechanical transmission systems and reducers from the door lock device, directly connecting the actuator to the movable element. This removal of bulky intermediate components reduces the overall device volume while preserving the essential locking mechanism function through direct actuation.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic components are used in the door lock device, then the device can be manufactured easily, but plastic deformation occurs leading to inaccurate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thermoactuator that can compensate for plastic deformation and positioning inaccuracies through self-adjustment. The actuator directly controls the movable element, allowing it to overcome positioning errors caused by plastic deformation of door components, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision despite using easily manufacturable plastic materials.
4Device complexity
If detergent scale builds up on mechanical components, then the device structure remains simple, but the operation is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes mechanical transmission systems and reducers that would accumulate detergent scale, leaving only the essential actuator and movable element. This extraction eliminates the complex mechanical components where scale buildup would occur, maintaining operational reliability while preserving device simplicity.
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 solution simplifies the door lock mechanism, reduces bulkiness, and enhances reliability by directly controlling the movable element, preventing unauthorized opening and maintaining proper operation despite plastic deformation and detergent scale issues.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator is a thermoactuator which can take at least two predefined end-of-travel positions
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a door lock device for household appliances such as washing machines, clothes dryers and the like. The device comprises a slide (6) which is movable between a door lock position and a door unlock position, and which cooperates with a coupling tooth arranged on the door in order to hold the door locked when the household appliance is in operation. The device is fitted with a thermoactuator (4) that drives the slide (6) by imparting thereto a translational motion between a door lock position and a door unlock position.