Washing Machine Friction Damper Pivot Lock for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulation devices for washing machines are complex to handle, requiring intricate assembly and disassembly, and often result in noise due to relative movements between parts, which complicates the installation and maintenance of friction dampers.
Innovation Solution
A two-part articulation device with a locking part that pivots about a locking pivot axis, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and featuring a locking mechanism with integrally formed levers and different material components to reduce noise, enabling secure attachment to the washing machine without tools and facilitating quick installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional articulation device is used, then the friction damper can be attached to the washing machine, but the assembly and disassembly process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation device is divided into two separate parts: a carrier part that remains attached to the washing machine and a locking part that can be easily removed. This segmentation allows the locking part to be independently manipulated for assembly and disassembly, significantly simplifying the operation process while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking part is designed to be pivotable relative to the carrier part about a locking pivot axis, transitioning between a locking position (where it secures the damper) and an unlocking position (where it can be removed). This dynamic capability enables tool-free assembly and disassembly operations, directly improving ease of operation without requiring complex mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple separate components are used in the articulation device, then functionality can be achieved, but noise is generated due to relative movements between parts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part integrates multiple functional elements into a single component: the lever for manual operation, the locking mechanism for securing the damper, and the pivot connection for attachment to the carrier part. By merging these functions into one piece (produced via injection molding), relative movements between separate parts are minimized, thereby reducing noise emissions while maintaining full functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking part is made in one piece, then assembly is simplified and stability is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is manufactured using injection molding, a process that transforms material parameters (from granular plastic to molded component) and geometric parameters (from simple shapes to complex integrated structures with levers, locking features, and pivot connections). This parameter change enables the production of a highly integrated one-piece component that simplifies assembly while the molding process itself handles the manufacturing complexity.
4Reliability
If the support plate is securely locked, then the friction damper is firmly attached, but disassembly and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is designed with a pivot connection that allows it to be easily rotated between a locking position (where it firmly secures the damper through the carrier part) and an unlocking position (where it can be quickly removed). This dynamic design provides both secure attachment during operation and easy disassembly for maintenance, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pivoting device for pivoting a friction damper having at least one pivoting opening to a washing unit or to a machine frame of a washing machine comprises a support part (17) for supporting the friction damper (9) with a support plate (21) for contacting the washing unit (2) or the machine frame (4), with a support wall (22) extending transversely from the support plate (21) and with a pin (24) having a longitudinal axis (23) for receiving in the at least one pivoting opening (12), wherein the pin (24) extends transversely from the support wall (22), and a locking part (18) pivotally connected to the support part (17) about a locking pivot axis (19) between a locking position and an unlocking position for locking the friction damper (9) to the Carrier part (17), wherein the locking part (18) comprises a fastening element (33),wherein in the locking position the support plate (21) is attached to the washing unit (2) or to the machine frame (4) by means of the fastening element (33), and wherein in the unlocking position the support plate (21) is released from the washing unit (2) or to the machine frame (4) by the fastening element (33).