Washing Machine Door Latch With Inclined Arresting Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door latches with indirect locking mechanisms face material weakening issues due to required cavities, affecting load-bearing capacity and force distribution, particularly when the door is pulled in a closed and locked state.
Innovation Solution
A door latch design featuring a guide arrangement that inclines the first arresting element relative to the rotational plane of the gripping unit, allowing force division between the arresting element and the guide arrangement, thus protecting the second arresting element from full force, without needing a cavity in the gripping unit or additional slide elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a cavity is constructed into the gripping unit to enable force division, then the force distribution is improved, but the material strength and load-bearing capacity of the gripping unit are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
A guide arrangement is introduced as an intermediary component between the gripping unit and the first arresting element. This guide arrangement enables force division without requiring a cavity in the gripping unit, thus maintaining material strength while achieving proper force distribution. The guide arrangement mediates the force transmission path, allowing the gripping unit to maintain its structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the second arresting element blocks the first arresting element in the arrested state, then the locking reliability is improved, but the force load on the second arresting element becomes excessive when the door is pulled
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission path is segmented into multiple paths by the guide arrangement. When the door is pulled in the locked state, the force is divided between the guide arrangement and the arresting elements. This segmentation prevents the full force from being transmitted to the second arresting element, reducing its load while maintaining locking reliability through the coordinated action of both arresting elements.
3Device complexity
If the first arresting element is guided perpendicular to the rotational plane, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the force division capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guide arrangement is designed with an asymmetric orientation relative to the rotational plane of the gripping unit. This asymmetric guidance enables effective force division by creating a favorable angle between the force transmission path and the rotational plane. The asymmetric design allows the guide arrangement to efficiently divert force while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
A door latch for an electrical household appliance includes a latch housing in which a gripping unit is received. The door latch further includes a first arresting element which is received in the latch housing such that it is movable between a release position and an arresting position. In the arresting position, the first arresting element blocks the gripping unit to prevent rotation into the open rotational position and, in the release position, permits a rotation of the gripping unit into the open rotational position. A second arresting element is received in the latch housing such that it is movable between an unlocking position and a locking position. In the locking position, the second arresting element effects a blocking of the first arresting element to prevent rotation into the release position, in the unlocking position, the second arresting element permits such a movement of the first arresting element.