Composite Shipping Base With Detachable Insert for Washer Load Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling and shipping large appliances, such as top-loading washing machines, lack a suitable detachable sub-structure to support the centralized load during and after assembly, which can lead to instability and damage during handling and shipping.
Innovation Solution
A composite shipping base comprising a rigid bottom frame, a bottom panel with a center opening, and a detachable center insert made of different materials, which provides additional support to the centralized load by securing it within the appliance's frame and preventing rotational movement, allowing the base to remain with the appliance during shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detachable sub-structure is added to support the centralized load after assembly, then the support stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into two functional segments: a primary base structure for general support and a detachable sub-structure specifically designed to support the centralized load. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function for the centralized load is extracted as a separate detachable sub-structure rather than being integrated into the main base. This extraction allows the sub-structure to be added only when needed and removed when not required, avoiding permanent complexity in the base design.
2Reliability
If the base remains with the appliance during shipping, then the protection is improved, but the weight of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable sub-structure is designed to be removable from the appliance after shipping. This allows the protection function to be present during shipping but eliminates the additional weight for the customer who does not need the protective structure for storage or operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable sub-structure serves as a temporary protective element during shipping that can be discarded or removed after the appliance arrives at its destination, reducing the permanent weight of the appliance while maintaining protection during transit.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite shipping base for supporting an appliance such as a washing machine is provided having a detachable sub-structure that can be added during the washing machine assembly to restrict the vertical and lateral movement of a centralized load of the washing machine during assembly, shipping and handling. A rigid bottom frame allows for the composite shipping base and appliance to move down virtually any form of conveyance and to be lifted or turned during the course of conveyance.