Washing Tank Drain Plug Control via Pull String and Sliding Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing open/close devices for washing tank drains are complex and inconvenient to operate, requiring users to manually interact with the drain plug, which complicates the operation and reduces the device's service life.
Innovation Solution
An open/close device comprising a sliding shaft with stop positions and one-way slideways, connected via a cable to a swing arm, allowing for easy up-and-down movement to open or close the drain plug, with a spring mechanism to maintain the sliding shaft's position and simplify user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connecting mechanism is used to connect the open/close part in the plug, then the open/close function is achieved, but the structure becomes more complicated and operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex connecting mechanism from the drain plug assembly and separates it into an independent pull string mechanism. The pull string is pulled directly from outside the water without requiring internal connecting mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the open/close function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pull string as an intermediary element that transmits the opening force from the user's hand to the drain plug without requiring complex internal mechanisms. This simple intermediary solves the contradiction by providing an easy-to-operate external control mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If users reach their hands into water to pull or press the plug, then the drain can be opened or closed, but the operation becomes inconvenient and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The pull string serves as an intermediary that allows users to operate the drain plug from outside the water, eliminating the need to reach hands into the water. The pull string transmits the mechanical force remotely, solving both the convenience and safety issues simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical interaction (hand pressing the plug) with a remote mechanical transmission system (pull string). This substitution allows the operation to be performed from a safe distance while maintaining effective mechanical control over the drain plug.
3Reliability
If a complex connecting mechanism is used, then the open/close function is achieved, but the service life is reduced due to more parts
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting and removing the complex internal connecting mechanisms, the patent reduces the number of parts that can fail. The simplified structure with fewer components directly improves reliability and extends service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull string mechanism is designed to be self-contained and maintenance-free, with no complex internal mechanisms requiring adjustment or repair. This self-service design contributes to longer service life by eliminating common failure points associated with complex mechanisms.
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
The solution provides a more convenient and durable operation of the washing tank drain system, allowing users to easily open or close the drain without manual contact, thereby enhancing user experience and extending the device's service life.
Implementation Method 1
said open/close controller is provided with a spring for holding the sliding shaft in the direction from the head to the tail of the sliding shaft
Implementation Method 2
a first one-way slideway is set on the surface of the sliding shaft allowing the sliding shaft to move from the point where the first stop position is movably engaged with the hook part of the retaining hook to the point where the second stop position is movably engaged with the hook part
Data Source
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AI summary
Open/close Device of a Washing Tank Drain System includes an open/close controller and an opening and closing mechanism for a drain plug mechanism of the tank washer, wherein a connecting steel wire is provided between the open/close controller and the opening and closing mechanism. The open/close controller comprises a sliding shaft and a fixed sleeve with a sliding through-hole for the sliding shaft. The open/close controller is also provided with a blocking hook for the sliding shaft, a first blocking position and a second blocking position cooperating with a hook part of the blocking hook are respectively provided at locations with different height on the surface of the sliding shaft , and the first blocking position is nearer the head of the sliding shaft than the second blocking position. A first and a second oneway sliding groove are provided in the surface of the sliding shaft . The open/close controlle is provided with a spring biasing from the head to the tail of the sliding shaft. One end of the steel wire is connected to the sliding shaft.