Washing Machine Drum Assembly Positioning Mechanism for Hole Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the production of washing machine drum assemblies, misalignment of holes between the drum and surface plates can lead to defects such as incomplete fastening of screws or bolts, and slipping of the surface plates during the seaming process, resulting in defective washing tubs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rear end positioning mechanism with notches and protrusions on the drum and surface plates, respectively, ensures precise alignment and prevents slipping, allowing for accurate coupling and secure fastening of the flange shaft and ball balancer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the rear surface plate is coupled to the drum by rotating the drum during production, then the surface plate can be fixed to the drum, but misalignment of holes between the drum and surface plate occurs leading to incomplete fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming positioning protrusions on the drum and corresponding positioning grooves on the rear surface plate before the coupling process. These positioning features are pre-formed during manufacturing, ensuring that when the drum is rotated during coupling, the holes align correctly without requiring manual adjustment, thus preventing misalignment defects
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusions and grooves act as intermediaries between the drum and rear surface plate. These intermediary features facilitate proper alignment during the coupling process by physically guiding the relative positions of the two components, ensuring that the holes match up correctly for fastening
2Ease of manufacture
If the drum is rotated during the seaming process to couple the surface plate, then the surface plate can be fixed, but the surface plate slips with respect to the drum due to rotational force
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning protrusions and grooves are pre-formed before the seaming process, creating a stable mechanical interface that prevents slipping during drum rotation. This preliminary positioning structure ensures that the relative position between the surface plate and drum remains stable throughout the seaming operation
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusions and grooves serve as intermediary elements that maintain stable relative positioning during the seaming process. These features act as mechanical guides that prevent the surface plate from slipping relative to the drum even when rotational forces are applied during seaming
3Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment of holes is performed during assembly, then hole alignment can be achieved, but production time increases and defects may still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning protrusions and grooves enable self-alignment of the drum and rear surface plate during assembly. The components automatically find their correct relative positions through the mechanical guidance of these positioning features, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and ensuring consistent hole alignment without increasing production time
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine drum assembly includes: a drum having a hollow cylindrical shape, including a front end flange formed at a front end of the drum and a rear end flange formed at a rear end of the drum, and including a plurality of coupling holes formed adjacent to the rear end flange; a front surface plate mounted on the front end of the drum; and a rear surface plate mounted on the rear end of the drum and including a plurality of rear surface holes corresponding to the plurality of coupling holes of the drum, wherein a rear end positioning mechanism configured to position the rear surface plate with respect to the drum is formed in the rear end flange of the drum and the rear surface plate.