Washer-Dryer Door Locking Catch for Flexible Handle Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine door locking mechanisms are inflexible and cannot accommodate different door handle arrangements on the inside or outside of the door frame, leading to inconsistent operation and increased production and storage complexities due to non-universal parts.
Innovation Solution
A locking catch system featuring a guide element attached to the door frame with a push element held by spring force, allowing the door handle to actuate the latch from either side, utilizing a round rod with a mushroom-like extension for universal compatibility and a coaxial bore for low-wear operation, ensuring consistent locking and unlocking movements regardless of handle placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed locking mechanism with striker and latch assembly is used, then the locking function is reliable, but the door handle arrangement cannot be varied (inside or outside the door frame)
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element with mushroom-like extension serves multiple functions: it guides the push element, provides a locking surface for the latch, and accommodates the push element from either side of the door frame. This universal design allows the same locking mechanism to work with door handles arranged inside or outside the door frame, eliminating the need for different locking mechanisms for different handle positions.
2Reliability
If different door handle arrangements are accommodated with different locking mechanisms, then each arrangement works reliably, but production and storage complexities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal locking mechanism where the guide element, push element, and latch assembly can accommodate door handles in different positions (inside or outside the door frame) without requiring different components. This standardization simplifies production processes and reduces storage requirements for multiple variants of locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mushroom-like extension of the guide element features an asymmetrical shape with a locking ring surface that works with the latch assembly. This asymmetrical design allows the push element to be actuated from either side while maintaining a consistent locking action, enabling universal application regardless of door handle position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the push element is actuated from opposite directions, then door handles inside and outside the frame can be used, but wear and operational inconsistency increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the push element fixed and the latch move, the invention inverts the approach by having the push element move within a fixed guide element. The guide element with its mushroom-like extension and locking ring surface provides a consistent reference point that works regardless of which side the door handle is actuated from, ensuring uniform wear patterns and operational consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element features a round rod with a mushroom-like extension that has curved surfaces. This spherical/curved geometry allows the push element to be actuated from either side while maintaining smooth, consistent contact surfaces that reduce wear and ensure reliable operation regardless of actuation direction.
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
Enables standardized parts and simplified production by allowing the door handle to open the door consistently from either side, reducing wear and eliminating opposite movement issues, thus enhancing operational reliability and reducing production and storage requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a push element guided on the guide element and held in the closed position by spring force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The machine has a locking member (25) comprising a guiding element (29) with a latch plate element (30) that intervenes in a trap (35), and a thrust element (28). The thrust element is guided on the guiding element and held in a locking position by spring action. The guiding element is fastened to a frame (5) of a door. A door handle (9) is mounted above the thrust element and works with a cam (24) against the spring action on the thrust element such that the trap attains outer interference with the latch plate element.