Washing Machine Door Locking With Electromagnetic Auto-Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines often report program errors due to the washing machine door not being completely closed, resulting in wasted processing time and procedure when users apply insufficient force.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electromagnetic component controlled by the washing machine's main controller, which applies a transient attraction force to automatically lock the door latch when the start button is triggered, ensuring the door is fully closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the washing machine door locking system relies solely on manual user action, then the device structure remains simple, but the door may not be completely closed when users apply insufficient force, resulting in program errors
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic component is activated automatically when the start button is triggered, performing the door locking action before the washing program begins. This preliminary action ensures the door is securely locked without requiring the user to manually apply sufficient force, thereby improving reliability while adding only minimal system complexity through the electromagnetic actuator and control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine's control system automatically detects when the start button is pressed and autonomously activates the electromagnetic component to lock the door. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user intervention in the locking process, ensuring consistent and reliable door closure while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through automated control
2Ease of operation
If the washing machine requires manual door closing without automatic locking, then the device complexity is low, but the user must apply sufficient force to close the door properly, increasing the difficulty of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical door locking action is replaced with an electromagnetic locking mechanism. Instead of relying on the user to physically push the door with sufficient force to engage a latch, the electromagnetic component automatically actuates to secure the door lock latch, significantly easing operation while introducing only moderate system complexity through the electromagnetic actuator and control circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The door locking function serves itself automatically upon detection of the start button press. The control system autonomously activates the electromagnetic component to complete the locking action without requiring the user to manually apply force or perform additional actions, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device structure through automated control logic
3Productivity
If the washing machine door is not automatically locked, then the device complexity remains low, but program errors occur and processing time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic door locking action is performed as a preliminary step immediately when the start button is triggered, before the washing program commences. This ensures the door is securely locked in advance, preventing program errors and eliminating wasted processing time, while adding only minimal system complexity through the electromagnetic component and associated control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors the door locking status and the start button state, and automatically activates the electromagnetic component when appropriate conditions are met. This feedback-based automated control ensures the door is locked before program execution, improving productivity by preventing errors, while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through straightforward control logic
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
Prevents program errors by ensuring the washing machine door is automatically locked and closed, even with insufficient user force, thereby avoiding unnecessary processing time and errors.
Implementation Method 1
the electromagnetic component employs a transient electromagnetic attraction force on the attracted component, so that the lock catch automatically locks the door lock latch
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a washing machine 100 including a washing machine main body 10 with a built-in main controller 13, a cylindrical cavity 50 disposed in the washing machine main body 10, a washing machine door 20, a lock catch 21 and a door lock latch 22 used for locking or unlocking the washing machine door 20, an electromagnetic component 30 and an attracted component 40, wherein, upon triggering a start button 60 of the washing machine, the electromagnetic component 30 employs a transient attraction force on the attracted component 40, so that the lock catch 21 automatically locks the door lock latch 22. The washing machine door 20 is capable of being automatically attracted and locked in deadlock, thereby avoiding a washing program error and omitting the procedure and time for processing this program error. Meanwhile, the present invention further provides a method for controlling the washing machine.