Washing Machine Door Lock Support for Transport Impact Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drum type washing machines are prone to damage during transportation due to impact, as existing locking devices are not adequately designed to distribute or absorb external forces effectively.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a second support extending from the perimeter of a quadrangular shaped second through hole to support a first support in a plane contact state, dispersing impact and preventing damage by matching the inside and outside shapes of the first and second supports, respectively, and forming them in quadrangular ring shapes to enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking device is provided in a drum type washing machine, then the door can be locked to prevent wash water from pouring out, but the locking device may be damaged due to impact during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor locking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking device resistance to impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a supporting structure (second support extending from the housing to contact the first support of the locking device) that protects the locking device from impact during transportation before any damage can occur. This preventive measure ensures the locking device remains intact and functional when installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary element (the second support structure) between the housing and the locking device's first support. This intermediary absorbs and distributes impact forces, preventing direct transmission of shock to the locking device components, thereby resolving the contradiction between locking reliability and impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the locking device is securely mounted to ensure proper locking function, then the door locking is reliable, but the device becomes more vulnerable to impact damage during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking function reliabilityVSAvoidimpact damage during transportation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The second support structure is installed beforehand to cushion against impact forces during transportation. It contacts the first support of the locking device and distributes impact forces, preventing damage while allowing the locking device to be securely mounted for reliable function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing protective support specifically at the location where the locking device is most vulnerable (the first support extending through the housing). This localized protection ensures the locking function remains reliable while protecting against impact at the critical point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2333146B1Drum type washing machine and housing thereof
Publication Date: 2016.07.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2333146B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2333146B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2333146B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A drum type washing machine including a housing (10) having an introduction port, a door (20) to open and close the introduction port (11a), a locking member (21) provided at the door, a locking device provided at the housing to lock the locking member. The locking device (30) has a first through hole (30a) and a first support (30b) extending from the perimeter of the first through hole. The housing (10) has a second support (11c) extending from the perimeter of a second through hole, through which the first support is inserted, to support the outside of the first support in a plane contact state. The first support is prevented from being damaged due to impact during transportation.