Three-Position Latch Module for Cooking Device Door Lock and Auto-Open
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking devices face challenges in integrating a secure lock function for self-cleaning with a separate automatic opening function for the door, leading to increased components, production costs, and complexity, while also risking accidental door opening during initialization.
Innovation Solution
A latch module that incorporates manual lock, secure lock, and automatic opening functions using a single latch with one drive source and power transmission structure, employing kinematic interference between components to control the latch positions and minimize switches, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure lock function and an automatic opening function are incorporated separately, then the reliability of each function is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secure lock function and automatic opening function into a single integrated latch module. The latch body serves dual purposes: it can be engaged to securely lock the door during self-cleaning operations, and it can be disengaged to allow automatic opening. This merging eliminates the need for separate latch mechanisms while maintaining the reliability of both functions through careful design of the engagement and disengagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch module is designed with multi-functionality to perform both secure locking and automatic opening operations. The same latch body, drive source, and power transmission structure are used for both functions. The control system selectively activates appropriate mechanisms based on operational mode, making the latch module a universal component that handles multiple door control requirements without needing separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate modules are added for new functions, then the functionality is improved, but the occupied volume increases and cooking chamber volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple door control functions into a single compact latch module that occupies minimal space. By integrating the secure lock mechanism and automatic opening mechanism within the same latch body and using a shared drive source, the design eliminates the volume that would be required for separate modules. This space-efficient integration preserves maximum cooking chamber volume while providing comprehensive door control functionality.
3Device complexity
If a single latch module incorporates all functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of accidental door opening during initialization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through an initialization process that occurs before normal operation. During initialization, the control system performs a predetermined sequence of operations to ensure the latch module is in the correct state before allowing user interaction. This preliminary setup prevents accidental door opening by establishing proper initial conditions, such as ensuring the latch is securely engaged and the drive mechanism is ready to respond only to intentional user commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the state of the latch module and prevent accidental door opening. Sensors detect whether the latch is properly engaged and whether the door is securely locked before allowing operation. The control system continuously monitors these states and adjusts its responses accordingly, providing feedback control that enhances safety during initialization and normal operation while maintaining the simplified single-module design.
Data Source
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AI summary
. A cooking device comprising a main body (10) that has a cavity, a door (20) that opens and closes a front of the cavity, and a controller (80) that controls an opening and a closing of the door (20), the door (20) has an engaging structure (22) and the main body (10) has a latch (50) that is engaged with or released from the engaging structure (22), wherein the latch (50) have positions comprising a first basic position, a second basic position, and a third basic position, wherein the position of the latch (50) is controlled by the controller (80), wherein the first basic position is a position in which the latch (50) is engaged with the engaging structure (22) to maintain a closed state of the door (20) and, when an external force is applied to the door (20) in a direction of opening the door (20), the latch (50) is released from the engaging structure (22) to open the door (20), wherein the second basic position is a position in which the latch (50) is not engaged with the engaging structure (22), and wherein the third basic position is a position in which the latch (50) is engaged with the engaging structure (22) to maintain a closed state of the door (20) even when an external force is applied to the door 20 in a direction of opening the door (20).