Washing Machine Drum Baffle Attachment with Protected Connection Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection tabs of baffles in laundry washing machines are prone to mechanical damage due to foreign objects during the washing cycle, which can cause the baffles to break away from the drum's inner surface.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates connecting tab enclosures with a lowered rim portion and a flap planar protrusion that extends over the L-shaped opening in an inclined manner, providing protection for the connecting tabs by keeping them within a peripherally enclosed region and preventing direct interaction with external objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection tabs are provided on the drum surface to attach baffles, then baffle attachment is enabled, but the connection tabs are vulnerable to mechanical damage from foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The connection tab is nested within a recessed cavity formed by the lowered rim portion and connecting tab enclosure. This nesting arrangement protects the connection tab from external mechanical damage while maintaining its attachment function. The flap structure further encloses the connection tab within the cavity, creating a protective niche that shields it from foreign objects during drum rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lowered rim portion and connecting tab enclosure act as intermediary protective structures between the vulnerable connection tab and harmful foreign objects. These intermediary elements absorb or deflect mechanical impacts before they can reach the connection tab, thereby protecting the critical attachment point while allowing the baffle to remain securely attached.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If connection tabs are enclosed within a protective structure, then mechanical protection is provided, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure for the connection tab is merged with the baffle panel itself. The lowered rim portion and connecting tab enclosure are formed as integral parts of the baffle panel, eliminating the need for separate protective components. This merging approach reduces overall device complexity while providing effective protection for the connection tab.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle panel serves multiple functions: it provides the structural support for the baffle, contains the protective enclosure for the connection tab, and integrates the flap mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining protective capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry washing machine (1) with a drum (2) equipped with a plurality of baffles (5) having protection flaps (8) by which any damage to the connecting tabs (16) of the baffle (5) is prevented. The present invention more particularly relates to a laundry washing machine (1) comprising a rotary drum (2) in which cloth items are placed and accessible via a front door, a water tub in which the rotary drum (2) is rotated, a motor providing the rotary drum (2) to be driven by means of a belt-pulley mechanism or direct-drive mechanism disposed outside the tub (15) and a plurality of baffles (5) to agitate the laundry being provided in the drum (2).