Washing Machine Beam Connecting Assembly Fatigue Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine beam connecting assemblies are prone to fatigue failures, leading to reduced service life and frequent maintenance needs due to high operational loads and interferences with the chain conveyor.
Innovation Solution
The beam design incorporates a connecting assembly with two plates (6 and 7) that are welded to the beam walls and conveyor wheels, using specific geometries and welding seams to enhance structural integrity and reduce interference risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional connecting assemblies with plates and screws are used to connect beams to the chain conveyor, then the beam can be securely attached to the conveyor, but fatigue failures occur frequently due to high operational loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first plate and second plate into a single integrated connecting assembly that is welded directly to the beam wall. This eliminates the screw connection interface between plates and reduces the number of potential failure points, while the welded construction provides continuous stress distribution to resist fatigue failures from high operational loads.
2Strength
If the first plate is welded to the second plate and the second plate is welded to the beam walls, then the connection is structurally strong, but fatigue failures are still observed in the connecting assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable connection between the connecting assembly and the beam wall through a slot and protrusion mechanism. This allows the connecting assembly to dynamically adjust its position and absorb thermal expansion, contraction, and operational movements, reducing stress concentration at the weld points and preventing fatigue failures while maintaining structural strength.
3Device complexity
If the first plate is arranged in a plane defined by the longitudinal and transversal directions, then the connection geometry is simple, but frequent interferences occur between the first plate and the chain conveyor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the connecting assembly to extend primarily in the longitudinal direction of the beam, utilizing the longitudinal slot in the beam wall. This dimensional reorientation moves the connecting assembly away from the chain conveyor path in the transversal direction, eliminating frequent interferences while maintaining simple geometric construction through the slot-protrusion mechanism.
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 significantly reduces the risk of fatigue failures, extending the service life of the washing machine and minimizing maintenance requirements by improving the connection between the beam and conveyor.
Implementation Method 1
The first plate is welded to the second plate and the second plate is welded to the walls of the respective beam
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a beam (2) for a washing machine (1) for washing containers (10), comprising pockets (12) for housing containers (10); connecting assembly (4) for connecting beam (2) to a conveyor (3) of washing machine (1); and two walls (5) elongated parallel to a first direction (X) and spaced from each other along a second direction (Y), which extends transversal to first direction (X); connecting assembly (4) comprises a first plate (6) arranged between walls (5) along second direction (Y) and connecting means (20) for connecting first plate (6) to conveyor (3); first plate (6) has a first longitudinal extension (6x) along first direction (X); first plate (6) is welded to walls (5) with a first welding seam (65) extending on wall (5) along first direction (X) throughout the entire first longitudinal extension (6x) of first plate (6).