Washer-Dryer Door Lock with Flexing Hook Holder for Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washer/dryer lock mechanisms experience deformations and malfunctions due to forces acting on their components as the hook engages and disengages, leading to insecure door closure.
Innovation Solution
A washer/dryer lock design featuring a hook holder with a flexing member and a blocking member, where the blocking member rotates due to the hook's force, allowing the hook holder to cover the hook and maintain the door in a closed position, utilizing angled surfaces and springs for enhanced movement and force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the lock components are fixed rigidly to ensure structural stability, then the strength and stability are improved, but the deformations and malfunctions occur over time due to forces during hook engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fixed connections with flexible connections that allow controlled movement. The flexing member (spring) enables the lock components to dynamically adjust during hook engagement and disengagement, absorbing forces that would otherwise cause deformation or malfunction. This dynamic approach maintains structural integrity while preventing the deformations that occur with rigid fixing.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lock mechanism is designed with simple insertion from one side, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the safety and security of door closure are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lock mechanism into distinct functional components: a body portion, a hook holder portion, and a flexing member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining ease of assembly. The body is inserted from one side through the opening, and the hook holder is subsequently attached, creating a secure multi-part locking mechanism that combines manufacturing simplicity with enhanced safety.
3Reliability
If the hook holder is held firmly to ensure secure locking, then the door closure security is improved, but the force transmission causes deformations in the lock components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a flexing member (spring) that changes its physical state between compressed and extended positions. This flexible element transmits the locking force from the hook holder to the body while accommodating force variations, preventing deformations. The spring's elastic properties allow it to maintain secure locking pressure without transmitting excessive forces that would damage other components.
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
The design ensures improved safety and secure door closure by effectively managing forces and reducing noise and duration of door closure, while maintaining the door in a locked position.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first flexing member which is arranged between the hook holder and the side section of the body and which allows the hook holder to move
Implementation Method 2
A second flexing member which is squeezed due to the force transmitted by the hook while being inserted into the hook housing is provided at the rear side of the blocking member. The second flexing member enables the blocking member to make a rotational movement.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washer/dryer (1) comprising a front wall (2); an opening (4) which is arranged on the front wall (2) and which provides access into the drum (3) wherein the laundry is loaded; a door (5) which closes the opening (4); a hole (6) which is arranged on the periphery of the opening (4) on the front wall (2); a lock (7) which is mounted to the front wall (2), which is mounted into the hole (6) and which has a body (8) positioned behind the hole (6); a hook (9) which is provided on the door (5); a hook housing (10) which is arranged on the body (8) and which passes through the hole (6) when the door (5) is closed so as to enable the hook (9) to be inserted into the lock (7); a hook holder (11) which is disposed on the body (8) so as to contact at least one surface of the hook housing (10) wherein the hook (9) is inserted; and at least one first flexing member (12) which is arranged between the hook holder (11) and the side section of the body (8) and which allows the hook holder (11) to move depending on the force transmitted to the hook holder (11) with the movement of the hook (9).