Washing Machine Drum Bottom Expansion for Higher Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines face challenges in increasing capacity without enlarging the drum and tub sizes, which would significantly increase production costs and compromise the structural integrity of the drum.
Innovation Solution
A drum assembly with an expansion region on its bottom, allowing for increased capacity without altering the drum or tub dimensions, coupled with a connector and driving member for rotation, and a method involving multiple pressing steps to form a reinforced bottom with apertures and ribs for enhanced stiffness and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the drum diameter or front-rear length is increased to provide larger capacity, then the washing machine capacity is improved, but the production cost increases significantly and the structural integrity of the drum is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by creating an expansion region that protrudes outward from the drum bottom, utilizing the third dimension (radial direction) to increase capacity rather than expanding the drum in its primary length or diameter dimensions. This allows capacity increase without proportionally increasing the drum's overall size and maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion region is strategically positioned only at the bottom portion of the drum where structural support is strongest, rather than uniformly expanding the entire drum. This localized approach increases capacity while concentrating material resources where they provide maximum structural benefit, preventing deformation in critical areas.
2Quantity of substance
If the drum diameter or front-rear length is increased to provide larger capacity, then the washing machine capacity is improved, but the production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the radial dimension through the expansion region, the patent achieves capacity increase without requiring larger drum diameter or length, thereby avoiding the significant cost increases associated with manufacturing larger drums and enclosing tubs.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum bottom is segmented into a standard region and an expansion region, allowing the majority of the drum to maintain standard dimensions and manufacturing processes, while only a localized portion is modified to increase capacity, thereby minimizing additional production costs.
3Quantity of substance
If the expansion region is protruded toward the outside of the drum to increase capacity, then the drum capacity is improved, but the connector may come into contact with the tub inside surface causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is preliminarily positioned on the expansion region in a design stage, allowing engineers to calculate and ensure sufficient clearance between the connector and tub inside surface before manufacturing. This preliminary positioning prevents contact and deformation during drum rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion region is strategically designed with specific geometric characteristics in the region where the connector is positioned, creating localized structural features that maintain adequate clearance between the connector and tub inside surface, preventing contact and deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
Drum assembly, and method for fabricating the same is disclosed, for making a capacity larger and enhancing stiffness and strength. The drum assembly includes a drum for holding laundry, a connector attached to an outside surface of a bottom of the drum, and a driving member coupled to the connector for rotating the drum, wherein the bottom includes an expansion region unoccupied by the connector, the expansion region being protruded toward an outside of the drum, to expand a capacity of the drum. The method includes a first time pressing for pressing a plate for forming a bottom of a drum, for securing a space for expanding a capacity of the drum, and a second time pressing for forming a seat for attaching a connector connecting a driving member and the drum.