Driving apparatus for washing machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines, particularly pulsator type, face instability in clutch lever operation and risk of water penetration into the motor assembly, leading to potential breakdowns.

Innovation Solution

A driving apparatus with a new rotation structure of two levers and a waterproof cover to prevent water from entering the motor assembly, featuring a clutch housing, annular clutch holder, hinge-coupled clutch lever, driving lever, and a motor assembly with a stator and rotor, along with a waterproof cover and stoppers to limit rotation and prevent water ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a clutch lever and coupling lever are used to selectively deliver driving force to the washing shaft and dewatering shaft, then the washing machine can perform both washing and dewatering functions, but the operation range of the clutch lever becomes unstable and water may penetrate into the motor assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing and dewatering function selectionVSAvoidclutch lever operation stability and motor protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch lever is divided into two separate levers: a clutch lever for engaging the clutch coupling and a coupling lever for controlling the dewatering shaft. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each lever's function, improving operational stability while maintaining the ability to select between washing and dewatering modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A waterproof cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the motor assembly and the clutch mechanism. This cover prevents water from penetrating into the motor assembly while allowing the clutch mechanism to operate freely, thus protecting the motor without interfering with the lever operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If stoppers are used to limit the rotation range of the clutch lever and coupling lever, then the operation range is constrained, but the interlocking operation of the two levers with the clutch coupling becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelever rotation range limitationVSAvoidinterlocking operation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical stopper system is replaced with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Magnets are arranged on the clutch lever and coupling lever to create magnetic attraction points that limit the rotation range of each lever. This magnetic positioning system provides more stable and precise control over the lever operation ranges compared to mechanical stoppers, ensuring reliable interlocking operation while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10190250B2Driving apparatus for washing machine

Publication Date: 2019.01.29 NEW MOTECH

AI summary

The driving apparatus for a washing machine according to the present invention includes a clutch housing including a washing shaft and a dewatering shaft penetrating the inside; an annular clutch holder installed in the lower part of the clutch housing; a clutch lever hinge-coupled to the clutch holder, including an upper rotation part and a coupler receiving part; a driving lever having a lever arm interlocking with the upper rotation part of the clutch lever; a clutch coupler laid on the upper part of the coupler receiving part performing up and down spline movement by the coupler receiving part; and a motor assembly coupled to the lower part of the clutch holder, including a stator assembly and a rotor assembly.