Drain pump and washing machine having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users cannot easily determine if the pump filter in a washing machine's drain pump is fully fastened, leading to potential water leaks.
Innovation Solution
A detachable pump filter with a dual-head mechanism that includes a first head and a second head, where the second head is rotatable and generates a distinct sound or tactile feedback when fully engaged, ensuring the user recognizes proper fastening and preventing leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pump filter is made detachable for easy maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but the user cannot recognize whether the pump filter is fully fastened, leading to water leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The pump filter head incorporates a feedback mechanism through the rotatable second head that provides tactile and auditory signals to the user. When the pump filter is fully fastened, the second head cannot be rotated, providing clear feedback that confirms proper installation and prevents water leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The design includes an additional rotatable second head beyond the basic filtering function. This extra component provides the verification function needed to confirm proper fastening, going beyond the minimal requirements of a simple detachable filter.
2Device complexity
If a simple single-head pump filter is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot verify proper fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The pump filter head is segmented into two distinct parts: a first head for filtering and a second rotatable head for verification. This segmentation allows the device to provide fastening status information without significantly increasing overall complexity, as each segment has a specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable second head acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the fastening status. It translates the internal fastening state into external tactile and auditory signals that the user can perceive, thereby communicating fastening information without complex electronics.
3Reliability
If the pump filter head is made rotatable for verification, then reliability of fastening is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable second head is designed to be operated directly by the user during installation. The user themselves performs the verification action by attempting to rotate the second head, eliminating the need for additional sensors, motors, or electronic verification systems that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable second head provides mechanical feedback through rotation resistance and audible clicks or sounds when properly fastened. This mechanical feedback system verifies fastening reliability without requiring electronic components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes: a cabinet; a tub; a pump case provided so as to drain washing water; a pump filter that filters foreign substances in washing water and is able to be detached from the pump case; and a pump filter head that is combined with one side of the pump filter and causes the pump filter to rotate, wherein the pump filter head includes: a first head having a first state in which the first head is engaged with one side of the pump case and is combined with the pump case and a second state in which the first head is released from the pump case; and a second head that is positioned at front of the first head and is rotatable separately from the first head in the first state. A user can recognize whether the pump filter is fully fastened to the pump case.