Rotary Clothes Dryer Unlocking Arm With Push-Rod Latch Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary clothes dryers with support arms have complex structural designs and require multiple components, making them difficult to open and close safely and conveniently, as the distance and spatial arrangement of components change during the spreading and folding of the arms, necessitating complex mechanisms like flexible force transmission elements.
Innovation Solution
A simplified unlocking device using a push element, such as a push rod, that transmits a compressive force to the unlocking mechanism on the support part only when the arms are spread, eliminating the need for an operative connection when folded, and utilizing sliding guides and a pressure piece to ensure precise alignment and force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible force transmission elements like cables are used to connect the support arm and support part, then the changing distance and spatial arrangement during arm spreading can be compensated, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple components and complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the flexible force transmission element (cable) from the system. Instead of using a cable to bridge the changing distance between support arm and support part, the invention allows the support arm to directly actuate the unlocking mechanism when in the spread position, removing the intermediate complex component while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking device is segmented into position-dependent functional zones. The support arm only needs to establish operative engagement with the support part when in the spread position (activating the unlock function), while no connection is required when folded. This segmentation allows direct mechanical coupling instead of requiring a continuous flexible transmission element
2Ease of operation
If the actuating member is arranged on the support arm, then the locking can be released conveniently and safely without bending down or reaching into joint areas, but the device complexity increases due to the need for elastic linkages or traction cables to bridge the joint area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate force transmission elements (elastic linkages, traction cables) from between the actuating member on the support arm and the unlocking mechanism. The actuating force is transmitted directly through the rigid support arm structure when in the spread position, eliminating the need for complex flexible transmission components while maintaining safe and convenient operation
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm itself serves as the intermediary structure that directly transmits the actuating force from the actuating member to the unlocking mechanism when in the spread position. This eliminates the need for separate elastic linkages or cables, as the support arm's rigid structure provides sufficient force transmission capability in the operative position
Data Source
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AI summary
The dryer (1) has support arms (2, 2') and a support part (3) locked with a frame (5) of the dryer by a locking device to hold the support arms in a spread position. An unlocking device is provided with an actuating element (10) arranged at the support arm (2'). Locking of the support part at the frame of the dryer is released by actuation of the actuating element. The unlocking device comprises a thrust element (9) arranged at the support arm (2 '), which passes actuation of the actuating element on the locking device when the support arms are provided in the spread position.