Detachable Roller Design for Washing Machine Cleanability and Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In washing machines with vertical axis type pulsators, rollers are difficult to detach and clean, leading to contamination issues and water accumulation, as well as a tendency to catch laundry.
Innovation Solution
A detachable roller is rotatably provided in the inner wall of the washing tub, with a holding member that facilitates easy attachment and detachment, preventing contamination and laundry entanglement, and features a hollow design with openings for water drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the roller is fixed to the pulsator, then the structure is stable, but the roller cannot be easily detached and cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is divided into separate components: the roller itself and the pulsator body with attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the roller to be easily detached for cleaning while maintaining stable operation during washing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a fixed state during operation to a detachable state for maintenance. The roller can be securely attached during washing to ensure stability, but can be easily removed when cleaning is needed, providing dynamic adaptability.
2Weight of moving object
If the roller is formed in a hollow shape, then the roller is lightweight, but washing water is stored in the roller
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is designed with a hollow internal structure that allows water to pass through, preventing water accumulation while maintaining lightweight properties. The hollow design enables water drainage rather than storage.
3Productivity
If the roller is provided on the pulsator, then laundry swirling is improved, but the roller catches the cloth of laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The roller features a curved outer surface that guides laundry smoothly around it, preventing cloth from being caught or entangled. The spherical/curved geometry allows laundry to flow over the roller surface rather than being trapped.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine of an embodiment includes: a washing tub in which laundry is housed and washed; and a roller rotatably provided in an inner wall portion of the washing tub, and the roller being rotated to facilitate movement of laundry, wherein the roller is detachably attached to the washing tub.