Drum Washer Planetary Gear Layout for Multi-Mode Washing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drum washing machines face limitations in washing effectiveness due to a single washing mode and the high load on planetary gear mechanisms, which affects power transmission and service life.

Innovation Solution

A drum washing machine design that incorporates a planetary gear assembly between the main shaft and agitator, allowing for various washing modes by adjusting the rotation direction and speed of the agitator and drum, reducing the load on the gear assembly and enhancing stability and longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the drum is directly driven by the driver to rotate, then the power transmission is direct and stable, but the washing mode is single and the washing effect is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission stabilityVSAvoidwashing mode diversity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The planetary gear assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the driver and the drum/agitator. It enables multiple washing modes by selectively engaging different gear paths while maintaining stable power transmission from the driver through the main shaft to either the drum alone or both drum and agitator through controlled torque distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the planetary gear mechanism is used to drive both drum and agitator, then various washing modes are achieved, but the load on the planetary gear mechanism is high affecting its service life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing mode diversityVSAvoidservice life of planetary gear assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission path is segmented into two separate paths: one from the driver through the main shaft to the drum, and another from the main shaft through the planetary gear assembly to the agitator. This segmentation allows the planetary gear assembly to handle only the agitator's load rather than the combined load of both drum and agitator, extending its service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main shaft serves as an intermediary that receives power from the driver and selectively transmits it to either the drum directly or to both drum and agitator through the planetary gear assembly, reducing the cumulative load on the gear mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the planetary gear assembly transmits torque to both drum and agitator, then multiple washing modes are enabled, but the power transmission efficiency decreases due to multiple transmission levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing mode diversityVSAvoidpower transmission loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission is segmented into efficient paths: direct transmission from driver to drum for drum-only modes, and selective transmission through planetary gears only when agitator rotation is required, minimizing unnecessary transmission stages and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11286609B2Drum washing machine

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 WUXI LITTLE SWAN ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

A drum washing machine includes a tub; a drum rotatably arranged in the tub; an agitator rotatably arranged in the drum; a drive in transmission connection with the drum via a main shaft which transmits a torque of the driver to the drum; and a planetary gear assembly in transmission connection with the main shaft and the agitator and transmitting a torque of the main shaft to the agitator.