Driving apparatus for washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machine driving apparatuses are complex in configuration, requiring separate motors for the clutch and brake units, leading to increased manufacturing costs and bulkiness.
Innovation Solution
A driving apparatus where the pressurizing lever rotates with the brake lever to rotate the clutch lever, eliminating the need for a separate clutch motor, and utilizing a coupling clutch that moves upwardly and downwardly along the dewatering shaft to couple with both the dewatering shaft and rotor, simplifying the configuration and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate clutch motor and brake motor are used to operate clutch unit and brake unit independently, then the washing machine can perform washing and dewatering functions, but the configuration becomes complicated and the volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clutch motor and brake motor into a single integrated motor unit. The motor shaft is directly coupled to the clutch lever, and the brake lever is positioned to be driven by the same motor through mechanical linkage. This merging eliminates the need for separate motors while maintaining independent control of clutch and brake functions through a unified power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the clutch motor and brake motor. The motor's rotation is transmitted to the clutch lever through direct coupling, while simultaneously driving the brake lever through mechanical linkage. This multi-functional design allows one motor to perform the roles previously requiring two separate motors, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If separate clutch motor and brake motor are used, then the clutch and brake units can be operated independently, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate motor assemblies into one integrated motor unit. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled. The single motor design eliminates redundant parts such as duplicate mounting brackets, electrical connections, and control circuits, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while preserving independent operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of motor-driven operation from the clutch and brake units and consolidates it into a single motor source. By removing the redundancy of having two separate motors, the design simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces material requirements, leading to cost savings without compromising functional independence.
3Ease of operation
If separate clutch motor and brake motor are used, then the clutch and brake units can be operated independently, but the apparatus becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clutch motor and brake motor into a single compact motor unit, significantly reducing the space required in the washing machine's drive mechanism. The integrated design allows the clutch lever and brake lever to share the same motor housing and mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate motor compartments and reducing overall apparatus volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a nested arrangement where the brake lever mechanism is positioned around or alongside the clutch lever mechanism, both driven by the same motor shaft. This nesting allows the components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial zones, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the total volume occupied by the drive system.
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 results in a compacted configuration that effectively performs power transmission, reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating the need for additional motors, thereby simplifying the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a brake lever disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing in such a manner as to rotate by means of a brake motor and adapted to operate a brake pad connected to one end thereof to control the rotation of the brake drum
Implementation Method 2
a pressurizing lever coupled to the brake lever in such a manner as to rotate together with the brake lever and thus to push and rotate the clutch lever
Implementation Method 3
a coupling clutch moved upwardly and downwardly along a lower end portion of the dewatering shaft in such a manner as to be coupled to the dewatering shaft at the time of being moved upwardly and coupled to the dewatering shaft and the rotor at the time of being moved downwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A driving apparatus for a washing machine including: a housing; a brake drum rotatably disposed inside the housing; a dewatering shaft coupled to the brake drum; a washing shaft rotatably disposed inside the dewatering shaft; a rotor to which the washing shaft is coupled; a stator disposed inside the rotor; a brake lever disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing and adapted to operate a brake pad connected to one end thereof to control the rotation of the brake drum; a coupling clutch moved upwardly and downwardly along a lower end portion of the dewatering shaft; a clutch lever mounted on the housing and rotating upon the rotation of the brake lever to move the coupling clutch upwardly and downwardly; and a pressurizing lever coupled to the brake lever to rotate together with the brake lever and to push and rotate the clutch lever.