Elliptical Washer Tub Geometry for Higher Capacity and Vibration Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face limitations in increasing capacity due to structural constraints, particularly in front-loading types, where expanding the size of the machine is hindered by space and vibration absorption issues, limiting the ability to handle larger laundry loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design of the tub in the washing machine incorporates a vertical radius greater than the horizontal radius, with a curvature that maximizes vertical space utilization and includes planar surfaces to prevent collision with the cabinet during rotation, allowing for enhanced capacity without compromising vibration absorption and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the size of the washing machine is expanded to increase capacity, then the laundry load capacity is improved, but the space utilization and vibration absorption are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tub is designed with an asymmetric cross-section where the vertical radius is greater than the horizontal radius. This asymmetric geometry allows the tub to utilize vertical space more effectively while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint, thereby increasing laundry capacity without proportionally increasing the overall machine volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional cylindrical tub to an elliptical tub with different radii in vertical and horizontal directions. By changing the dimensional characteristics of the tub cross-section, the design maximizes space utilization in the vertical dimension while controlling the horizontal space occupation, resolving the contradiction between capacity and space utilization.
2Quantity of substance
If the tub size is increased to handle larger laundry loads, then the washing capacity is improved, but the collision with cabinet during vibration is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The elliptical tub cross-section with vertical radius greater than horizontal radius creates a lower center of gravity and more stable vibration characteristics. This asymmetric shape reduces the tendency of the tub to collide with the cabinet during operation, thereby maintaining reliability while increasing washing capacity.
3Volume of stationary object
If the tub cross-section is changed to maximize vertical space, then the space utilization is improved, but the structural complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tub is designed with an elliptical cross-section, which is a simple curved geometric form. This curvature allows the tub to maximize vertical space utilization while maintaining a structurally simple and manufacturable design, avoiding complex geometries that would increase structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a cabinet and a tub. The cabinet may define an exterior of the washing machine. The tub may be disposed inside the cabinet to hold wash water. The tub may have a cross-section on which a first length passing through a central longitudinal axis of the tub and extending from a first side to a second side along a first direction, which is substantially horizontal, may be shorter than a second length passing through the central longitudinal axis of the tub and extending from a third side to a fourth side along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.