A washing machine comprising a lifter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face difficulties in maintaining the magnet used for detecting the drum position due to its susceptibility to dislodgment during the washing process, making it hard to detect the position accurately and requiring complete removal of the drum for maintenance, which complicates service during malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece lifter system with a magnet housed in the second piece, detachably attached to the drum, allows for easy maintenance by using claws for mounting and slides on guide rods, ensuring the magnet remains secure and detectable, enabling precise water delivery during the washing cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the magnet is positioned on the inner surface of the drum or tub, then the position detection function is achieved, but the magnet may dislodge during the washing process making detection impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter is divided into two separate pieces: the first piece remains fixed to the drum and contains the magnet, while the second piece is detachable and contains the sensor. This segmentation allows the magnet to be securely positioned on the drum inner surface while the sensor can be easily detached for maintenance without removing the entire drum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure with claws that engage with gaps on the drum inner surface. This intermediary mechanism secures the magnet-containing first piece to the drum, preventing dislodgment during washing while allowing the sensor-containing second piece to be easily detached for maintenance.
2Reliability
If the magnet is fixed to the drum, then position detection is enabled, but complete drum removal is required for maintenance which complicates service
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter system is segmented into two independent pieces that can be separated. The first piece with the magnet remains installed on the drum, while the second piece with the sensor can be detached for maintenance. This allows sensor maintenance without requiring complete drum removal, significantly improving service accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to be dynamically adjustable - the second piece can be easily attached and detached from the first piece. This dynamic mounting allows the sensor to be accessed for maintenance while the magnet remains securely positioned on the drum, enabling flexible maintenance operations.
3Device complexity
If the lifter is made as a single integrated piece, then structure is simple, but maintenance requires complete drum removal
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter is divided into two functional pieces connected by a simple mounting mechanism. The first piece (with magnet) and second piece (with sensor) are separate but easily connectable components. This segmentation maintains relative structural simplicity while enabling independent access to the sensor for maintenance without removing the entire drum.
4Productivity
If water flow is unregulated, then washing process is simple, but hydrodynamic effect cannot be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily positions the lifter at the topmost point of the drum using the magnet-sensor detection mechanism before water delivery begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that when water is delivered through the distribution pipe, it reaches the textile at the optimal location to maximize hydrodynamic washing effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet and sensor create a feedback loop that continuously monitors the lifter position relative to the drum. When the sensor detects the magnet at the predetermined position, it signals the control system to stop the drum and activate water delivery. This feedback mechanism ensures water is delivered at the correct moment and location to maximize washing efficiency.
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 design facilitates efficient washing by ensuring the lifter is accurately positioned for water delivery, enhancing the hydrodynamic effect while allowing for easy maintenance and serviceability by enabling detachment of the lifter from the drum.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet (19) which creates a magnetic field during the rotation of the drum (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a loading port (3) which is provided on the body (2); a drum (4) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the laundry is loaded via the loading port (3); a tub (5) wherein the drum (4) is disposed; a pipe (6) which provides the delivery of the water to the tub (5) during the washing cycle; a lifter (7) which is disposed in the drum (4), which tumbles the laundry and which has at least one nozzle (9) for delivering the water into the drum (4); a magnet (19) which creates a magnetic field during the rotation of the drum (4); a sensor (20) which is disposed on the tub (5) and which detects the position of the lifter (7) with respect to the tub (5) with the magnetic effect of the magnet (19); and a control unit (23) which stops the drum (4) when the lifter (7) is at the topmost position of the tub (5) according to the data received from the sensor (20).