Filter box assembly for washing machine and washing machine with same
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing filter box assemblies in washing machines are prone to deformation and damage over time, making it difficult to open and close the box cover without tools, which affects the machine's appearance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A filter box assembly with a lock tongue and lock catch mechanism that allows for easy opening and closing by pushing the box cover, utilizing a rolling member that locks and releases the locking tongue through a series of grooves and a tension spring for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional snapping rib mechanism is used to open the box cover, then the box cover can be opened with a tool, but the snapping rib becomes deformed and damaged after long time use, making the box cover unable to close properly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a pressing member that applies force, a locking member with a cam surface that converts the pressing motion into locking action, and a locking protrusion that engages with the locking groove. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without the entire mechanism deforming like the conventional snapping rib.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static snapping rib to a dynamic system where the locking member moves along a cam surface during the pressing operation. The cam surface guides the locking member through a controlled path that converts linear pressing motion into rotational or lateral movement for engagement/disengagement, providing reliable operation without deformation.
2Ease of operation
If a tool is required to press the box cover down at the notch to open it, then the box cover can be opened, but the operation becomes inconvenient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user's direct pressing action on the box cover without requiring external tools. The pressing member transfers the user's pressing force directly to the locking member, which automatically engages or disengages the locking protrusion through the cam surface mechanism, making the system self-sufficient and tool-free.
3Productivity
If the snapping rib is repeatedly pressed to open the box cover, then the box cover can be opened multiple times, but the snapping rib accumulates deformation and damage over time
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional mechanical snapping rib system is replaced with a cam-based locking mechanism. The cam surface on the locking member converts the pressing motion into controlled engagement and disengagement of the locking protrusion, eliminating the need for repeated elastic deformation of a single rib structure. This substitution maintains operational frequency while preserving structural integrity.
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 solution enhances operational convenience, extends the service life of the filter box assembly, and maintains the aesthetic appeal of the washing machine by providing a reliable and damage-resistant mechanism for opening and closing the filter box.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling member rollably clamped between the rolling groove and the sliding groove, in which during an unidirectional and circular rolling of the rolling member along the rolling groove
Implementation Method 2
a tension spring for reliable operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A filter box assembly (200) for a washing machine and the washing machine with same. The filter box assembly (200) comprises a box cover (1) and a box body (2), wherein a lock bolt (11) is arranged on the box cover (1); and a lock buckle mechanism (3) is arranged on the box body (2); The lock buckle mechanism (3) is constructed so that when the box cover (1) is positioned in the opening position of box body (2), the lock bolt(11) and the lock buckle mechanism (3) are connected after the box cover (1) is pushed in the direction towards the box body (2), and when the box cover (1) is positioned in the closing position of box body (2), the lock bolt (11) is separated and disengaged from the lock buckle mechanism (3) after the box cover (1) is pushed in the direction towards the box body (2).