A washing machine comprising a housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in correctly and easily mounting sensors for measuring parameters like temperature, pressure, and position, which can lead to errors if not done properly, affecting the machine's operation.
Innovation Solution
A housing structure with non-parallel openings and a guide rod is used to facilitate the correct positioning of sensors, with a soft insulation fixing member to secure them without pressure, ensuring accurate and durable mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is mounted in a washing machine without a guided opening, then the sensor can be placed in the housing, but the cable may twist or become damaged during assembly and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The housing includes pre-formed openings positioned at specific locations where cables need to pass through. This preliminary preparation of cable pathways eliminates the need for operators to create openings during assembly, preventing cable damage while simplifying the mounting process
Solution Approach 2:
The openings act as intermediary structures that guide cables from the external environment into the sensor mounting area. These openings serve as intermediaries that protect cables from twisting or pinching while allowing proper cable routing during sensor installation
2Manufacturing precision
If the housing sides are made parallel for simple manufacturing, then manufacturing is easier, but the sensor cannot be positioned at the predetermined correct location
Solution Approach 1:
The housing features asymmetric side configurations where at least one side is non-parallel to its opposite side. This asymmetry creates a unique geometric configuration that allows the sensor to be positioned at a specific predetermined location, while the overall housing structure remains simple enough for efficient manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The housing employs local quality variation where specific regions have non-parallel sides to achieve precise sensor positioning, while other regions maintain simple parallel structures for ease of manufacture. This localized geometric modification achieves positioning precision without complicating the entire housing design
3Reliability
If a hard fixing member is used to secure the sensor, then the sensor is firmly fixed, but the sensor surface may be damaged or affected by excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is made from a soft insulation material that changes the mechanical properties of the fixing system. This soft material provides sufficient holding force to secure the sensor reliably while maintaining low contact pressure that prevents damage to the sensor surface
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member combines insulating properties with mechanical fixing functionality using a soft material composition. This composite approach provides both electrical insulation and mechanical retention while the softness of the material prevents harmful pressure on the sensor surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a tub (3) which is provided in the body (2); a balance weight (4) which is provided on the tub (3) to compensate the vibrations generated in the body (2) during operation; and at least one sensor (5) which is provided in the body (2) so as to measure or detect any parameter such as temperature, position, pressure, etc. related to the washing process and which has a cable (16).