Washing Machine Door Lock Switch for Sensing Without Extra Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock systems in washing machines require separate switches to sense door opening and closing, increasing costs and complexity, while existing solutions do not effectively integrate lock/unlock operations with door position sensing without additional switches.
Innovation Solution
A door lock control apparatus and method that uses a single door lock switch to perform lock/unlock operations and sense door closure, integrating door switch and main switch functions to power electrical parts, and operates the washing machine only when the door is closed, with a pulsed mode door lock relay to manage solenoid current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate switch is added to sense door opening/closing, then door position sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door lock switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the lock/unlock actuator and the door position sensor. The single switch structure integrates the locking mechanism with the sensing function, eliminating the need for separate switches while accurately detecting door opening and closing states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the door lock switch and door position sensor into a single integrated component. The switch structure combines the mechanical locking elements with the electrical sensing contacts, so that one component performs both the locking action and the position detection function
2Reliability
If a door lock switch is used to perform lock/unlock operation, then locking reliability is improved, but the time consumed for lock/unlock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical bimetal latch system with an electromagnetic solenoid actuator. The solenoid uses electromagnetic force to rapidly move the locking elements, achieving reliable locking and unlocking operations much faster than mechanical spring-based systems
Solution Approach 2:
The door lock relay controls the solenoid operation using periodic pulse signals. The relay switches the solenoid on and off in controlled pulses to achieve the locking and unlocking actions, allowing precise timing control of the lock/unlock operations
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
This solution reduces costs by eliminating the need for a separate switch to sense door opening/closing, ensuring safe operation by stopping the machine if the door is opened during use and effectively managing door locking without additional hardware, thus enhancing safety and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a door lock switch including a switch to sense opening or closing of a door in addition to a basic operation such as a lock/unlock operation of the door has been developed
Implementation Method 2
In the door lock switch, a bimetal latch or a solenoid is used to perform the lock/unlock operation of the door
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are a door lock control device and method of a washing machine which sense opening or closing of a door (20) using a door lock switch (110). Since the door is locked or unlocked and the closing or opening of the door is sensed using one door lock switch without adding a separate switch to sense the closing or opening of the door, cost may be decreased.