Dryer Front Support Structure for Removable Panel Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryers face challenges during maintenance as disassembling the front wall causes operational components to lose support, leading to cabinet damage and complex assembly processes, and previous solutions either lack structural stability or require multiple stabilizing plates for different component configurations, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A laundry dryer design featuring a front supporting member that integrates with the frame structure, allowing the same member to support both operational components and the dryer tub, with a removable front panel and reduced component count, utilizing snap connectors or screws for assembly, and made partly of plastic for weight reduction and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the front wall is disassembled for maintenance, then access to operational components is enabled, but the operational components lose support and fall down causing cabinet damages
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall is segmented into a removable front panel and a fixed frame structure. The frame structure with horizontal and vertical reinforcing bars remains in place to support operational components, while only the front panel needs to be removed for maintenance access. This segmentation allows maintenance without compromising structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure with reinforcing bars is pre-installed and positioned to provide continuous support for operational components before any maintenance activity. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that components remain supported even when the front panel is removed, preventing damage during maintenance operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a stabilising plate is added to support operational components, then structural stability is improved, but the number of components increases and manufacturing complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is merged with the cabinet assembly, integrating the supporting function directly into the cabinet's structural framework. The horizontal and vertical reinforcing bars form an integrated support system that is part of the cabinet itself, eliminating the need for separate stabilizing plates and reducing overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cabinet, supports operational components, and integrates with the front panel assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated stabilizing plates, reducing component complexity while maintaining structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different stabilising plates are provided for different washing machine models, then model-specific support requirements are met, but manufacturing and assembling processes become complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure with horizontal and vertical reinforcing bars is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different operational component configurations across multiple dryer models. The standardized frame design allows the same structure to serve different models, eliminating the need for model-specific stabilizing plates and simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.
4Device complexity
If only two front bars are used in the frame structure, then the structure is simpler, but the frame becomes too weak to support vibrations and forces produced when the dryer works
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure uses asymmetric reinforcement with horizontal bars at the top and vertical bars at the sides, placing strengthening elements strategically where vibration and force concentrations occur during dryer operation. This asymmetric arrangement provides enhanced strength and vibration resistance while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing bars are designed with curved configurations rather than straight lines, allowing the frame to better absorb and distribute vibration forces. The curved geometry provides structural strength against dynamic loads while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design, balancing simplicity with strength requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a laundry dryer having a removable front casing panel (1).A laundry dryer according to the invention comprises a front casing panel (1) and a frame structure (4) for accommodating a tub (5) and operational component parts (6) which are required for drying laundry, said frame structure (4) comprises a front supporting member (12) having means (21) for removably mounting said front casing panel (1). The laundry dryer is characterized in that said front supporting member (12) comprises a portion (13) that forms a component part of said tub (5).