Washing Machine Door Locking Mechanism with Dynamic Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closing and opening devices for electrical household appliances, such as washing machines, partially meet safety and functional requirements, failing to provide a reliable hermetic seal and quick emergency opening while being cost-effective and durable.
Innovation Solution
A closing and opening device with two reciprocal engagement conditions, utilizing elastic means and electromechanical assistance for secure sealing and easy manual operation, preventing accidental openings and allowing quick emergency access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual switching devices are used for panel closing and opening, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing is cost-effective, but the reliability is insufficient to prevent accidental opening during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The closing and opening assembly is designed to dynamically change its engagement characteristics based on operational state. During operation, the assembly maintains a locked engagement with the striker element that resists accidental opening forces. When the appliance is not in operation, the assembly can be easily disengaged by simple manual movement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the system both reliable during operation and simple to open when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the engagement parameters between the closing assembly and striker element based on operational conditions. The engagement force, locking mechanism activation, and disengagement requirements are adjusted according to whether the appliance is in operation. This parameter change allows the same mechanical structure to provide high reliability during operation while maintaining ease of opening during non-operation periods.
2Reliability
If electromechanical switching assistance is added to prevent accidental opening, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closing and opening assembly is designed to automatically detect and respond to operational states without requiring external electromechanical control systems. The assembly itself performs the function of preventing accidental opening during operation through its mechanical design, eliminating the need for additional sensors, motors, or control electronics. This self-service approach maintains reliability while avoiding the manufacturing costs associated with electromechanical assistance.
3Reliability
If the closing assembly is designed for secure hermetic seal, then the reliability of sealing improves, but the ease of operation for quick opening in emergencies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closing assembly employs dynamic engagement characteristics that provide strong locking during normal operation to ensure hermetic sealing, but allow rapid disengagement when force is applied in an emergency situation. The mechanical design includes features that maintain secure closure under normal conditions while permitting quick opening when necessary, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and emergency accessibility.
4Ease of operation
If the closing assembly uses simple manual switching, then the ease of operation is good, but the reliability to prevent accidental opening during water presence is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the operational parameters of the closing assembly based on the washing cycle state. During the washing cycle, the assembly transitions to a high-reliability engagement mode that prevents accidental opening even when water is present. Outside of the washing cycle, the assembly returns to a manually operable state that allows easy opening and closing. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability during water presence.
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 device ensures reliable, hermetic closure and quick, easy opening in emergencies, maintaining performance over time with cost-effective manufacturing and minimal appliance modifications, addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
first elastic means, arranged inside said ring nut, between said closing and opening element and said ring nut, wherein said closing and opening element is switchable, by means of an assisted switching of said closing and opening assembly, from said first position to a second position, and wherein, with said striker element inserted through said through opening, said closing and opening element is switchable again from said second position substantially to said first position by means of a pushing action of said elastic means
Data Source
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AI summary
A closing and opening device for doors and/or panels and/or similar components, in particular of electrical household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and similar electrical household appliances, said device comprising a closing and opening assembly 20 adapted to be alternatively engaged and disengaged from a striker element 11 adapted to be rigidly fixed to a said panel, wherein said closing and opening assembly 20 comprises a first closing and opening element 5 which can be switched between a first position and a second position, said closing and opening elements 5 and striker 11 being shaped so that the reciprocal pushing action of said striker element 11 against said closing and opening assembly 20, between a first engagement and switching surface 51 and a second engagement and switching surface 111 of said closing and opening element 5 and said striker element 11, respectively, results in a first switching of said closing and opening element 5 from said first position to said second position, wherein said closing and opening element 5 can be switched by rotation.