Drum Lifter Hook-and-Shield Structure to Prevent Water Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifters in laundry treating apparatuses face performance deterioration due to defects in fastening members and unnecessary discharge of washing water through the coupling between the drum and lifter, leading to inefficiencies in washing and water usage.
Innovation Solution
A lifter structure featuring a first member with a hook portion and shielding portion that securely attaches to the drum, preventing water discharge through the fastening hole while allowing efficient water introduction and discharge, thereby maintaining performance and reducing water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a lifter is coupled to the drum through an additional fastening member, then the lifter can be securely attached to the drum, but the performance of the lifter deteriorates due to defects or failure of the fastening member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the additional fastening member from the coupling system between the lifter and drum. Instead of using separate fastening components, the lifter body itself is designed with an integrated coupling structure that directly engages with the drum, eliminating the fastening member and its associated failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the coupling function directly into the lifter body structure. The lifter body includes a coupling portion that is formed as an integral part of the lifter, merging the attachment function with the lifter structure itself rather than using separate fastening components.
2Productivity
If water is introduced into the lifter, then the lifter can perform washing function by spraying water to laundry, but water is discharged through the fastening portion between the drum and lifter causing unnecessary water loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastening member that created the water discharge pathway. By eliminating the separate fastening component and its associated holes or gaps, the source of water leakage is removed entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to prevent water discharge through the fastening portion by adding seals or barriers, the patent inverts the approach by redesigning the coupling so that water cannot enter the fastening area in the first place. The coupling portion is designed to direct water flow away from the attachment interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifter for a laundry treating apparatus includes a first member mounted at an inner side of a drum; and a second member mounted on the first member and protruded toward an inside of the drum, wherein the first member includes a hook protruded and formed along a circumference of the first member, at least part of which is disposed to cover an inner circumferential surface of the drum when inserted into a fastening hole of the drum and then slid in one direction; and a shield protruded and formed at an inner side of the first member and configured to completely cover the fastening hole when the hook is inserted into the fastening hole and then slid in one direction.