Washing Machine Door Lock Switch With Single-Switch State Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door lock switches in washing machines require a separate switch to sense door opening and closing, increasing costs and complexity, while also posing safety risks due to the need for additional mechanical rejection mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A door lock control apparatus and method that uses a single door lock switch to both lock/unlock the door and sense its opening/closing state, integrating a sensor and control unit to determine the door's state and control the washing machine's operation, thereby eliminating the need for a separate switch and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate switch is added to sense door opening/closing, then door state sensing is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor state sensingVSAvoidswitch quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door lock switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it mechanically locks/unlocks the door and simultaneously senses the door's opening/closing state. The switch includes a door switch portion that detects door position and a main switch portion that controls power, both integrated into a single component that also provides mechanical locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the door locking mechanism and door state sensing function into a single door lock switch assembly. The door switch, main switch, and locking mechanism are integrated such that one component performs what would traditionally require separate elements, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If a separate switch is added to sense door opening/closing, then door state sensing is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor state sensingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The door lock switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it mechanically locks/unlocks the door and simultaneously senses the door's opening/closing state. The switch includes a door switch portion that detects door position and a main switch portion that controls power, both integrated into a single component that also provides mechanical locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the door locking mechanism and door state sensing function into a single door lock switch assembly. The door switch, main switch, and locking mechanism are integrated such that one component performs what would traditionally require separate elements, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If door lock switch response time is increased for reliability, then lock/unlock reliability is improved, but operation speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock/unlock reliabilityVSAvoidlock/unlock speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit operates the door lock switch in periodic cycles: a first cycle performs the lock/unlock operation, and a second cycle confirms the door is properly locked before allowing machine operation. This periodic verification ensures reliability while maintaining operational speed by automating the confirmation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The door switch provides feedback to the control unit about the door's locked state. The control unit uses this feedback to determine whether the door is properly locked before permitting the washing machine to operate, ensuring reliability through automated verification rather than manual checking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 allows for safe and cost-effective operation by ensuring the door is locked during machine operation, reducing the risk of accidents and lowering production costs by integrating door sensing and locking functions into a single switch, thus enhancing safety and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

In the door lock switch, a bimetal latch or a solenoid is used to perform the lock/unlock operation of the door

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBimetallic strip: Bi-Metallic Strip

Implementation Method 3

a sensor to optically sense an operation state of the door lock switch (or door) and to output a door opening/closing signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS9163347B2Door lock control apparatus and method of washing

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a door lock control device and method of a washing machine which sense opening or closing of a door using a door lock switch. 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.