Adjustable-Height Drum Lifter for Laundry Load Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horizontal axis washing machines lack the ability to adjust the mechanical energy imparted to laundry items during the wash cycle effectively, as the lifters' fixed heights do not accommodate varying laundry loads, potentially leading to either inadequate cleaning or damage.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an adjustable lifter system with an asymmetrical body that can rotate between two positions, allowing for varying heights and profiles, enabling users to customize the mechanical energy applied to laundry items based on load type, from a maximum to a reduced height, thereby optimizing cleaning efficiency and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lifter height is fixed, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the mechanical energy imparted to laundry cannot be adjusted for different load types
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter incorporates an adjustable element that can change its position between a first position (providing first effective height) and a second position (providing second effective height less than the first). This dynamic adjustment capability allows the lifter to adapt to different laundry loads by varying the mechanical energy imparted, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If the lifter height is increased to provide more mechanical energy, then cleaning efficiency improves, but delicate laundry items may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable element allows changing the effective height parameter of the lifter. When set to the first position, it provides a first effective height for heavy-duty cleaning; when set to the second position, it provides a second effective height (less than the first) for delicate loads. This parameter adjustment enables optimization of mechanical energy application to prevent damage while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance (10) having a rotating drum (12) with one or more lifters (50, 150) extending from an inner surface of the drum (12). The one or more lifters (50, 150) are adjustable in height relative to the inner surface of the drum (50, 150). The lifter (50, 150) can have an adjustable element (52, 152) that is movable between at least two positions to vary the height the lifter (50, 150) extends from the inner surface.