Dual-Pulsator Washing Unit for Laundry Anti-Entanglement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines cause laundry damage due to the alternation of washing water currents generated by pulsator rotations, leading to twisting and entanglement.

Innovation Solution

A pulsator unit with a first pulsator generating a rotating water current and a second pulsator generating a rising and falling water current, combined through a mechanical structure with a tilted rod member and a support system, creating a stable wobbling motion to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple pulsator rotation mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the laundry damage due to twisting and entanglement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulsator mechanism complexityVSAvoidlaundry damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pulsator is divided into two separate pulsators: a first pulsator that rotates in regular and reverse directions, and a second pulsator that performs wobbling motion. This segmentation allows each pulsator to have a specialized function, reducing laundry damage while maintaining mechanical simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second pulsator introduces a new dimension of motion (wobbling motion) in addition to the conventional rotation. This additional dimensional movement creates a combined water current that prevents laundry twisting and entanglement without significantly increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If a pulsator generating only rotating water current is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the washing efficiency decreases due to laundry entanglement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidpulsator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second pulsator is designed with dynamic wobbling motion rather than fixed rotation. The wobbling motion is achieved through a bearing part and bearing hole configuration that allows automatic wobbling during rotation, dynamically adapting the water current pattern to prevent laundry entanglement and improve washing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a pulsator system that prevents laundry entanglement is implemented, then laundry damage is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry twisting and entanglementVSAvoidpulsator unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two pulsators are merged into a single integrated pulsator unit that shares common structural elements such as the support member, rod member, and driving mechanism. This merging allows the system to achieve the benefit of reduced laundry damage while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through shared components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The combined water current effectively reduces laundry twisting and entanglement, improving washing efficiency and reducing water consumption.

Implementation Method 1

the first pulsator may generate a rotating water current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 2

the second pulsator may generate a rising and falling water current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWobbling motion:

Implementation Method 3

a second pulsator shaft-coupled with the rod member such that the second pulsator is relatively rotated against the rod member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 4

a rod member installed on the upper surface of the first pulsator such that the rod member is tilted at a designated angle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical motion transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS8448481B2Pulsator unit for washing machine and washing machine having the same

Publication Date: 2013.05.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

In the washing machine, which has a tub installed in a main body, a spin basket rotatably installed in the tub, and a pulsator unit installed in the spin basket to generate a washing water current, the pulsator unit includes a first pulsator connected to a washing shaft of a driving device, a rod member installed on the upper surface of the first pulsator such that the rod member is tilted toward a central axis of the first pulsator at a designated angle, and a second pulsator coupled with the rod member such that the second pulsator is relatively rotated against the rod member. The pulsator unit generates a combined water current in the spin basket, and thus prevents the twisting and entanglement of laundry or reduces the amount of consumed washing water.