Pivot-Locking Friction Damper Coupling for Tool-Free Washer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for friction dampers in washing machines are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble, particularly when the damper components have non-round contours, making it difficult to secure them without tools and leading to inefficient assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a support part and a locking part connected pivotably about a locking pivot axis, featuring a fastening element and lever for manual operation, allowing secure locking and easy release, and made from materials like polypropylene and polyoxymethylene for improved stability and sound absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a coupling device uses a fixed support structure for mounting friction dampers, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a rotatable locking part that can pivot between locked and unlocked positions about a locking pivot axis. This dynamic mechanism allows the support plate to be securely fixed during operation while enabling easy manual assembly and disassembly by rotating the locking part, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a coupling device is designed as a single integrated unit, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to non-round contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two main segments: a support part and a locking part. The locking part can rotate about a locking pivot axis, allowing it to adapt to non-round contours of damper components. This segmentation enables each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design.
3Reliability
If a coupling device uses complex locking mechanisms, then the reliability of secure attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is designed to be manually operable without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. By rotating the locking part about the locking pivot axis, the support plate is automatically secured or released. This self-service approach achieves reliable attachment while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for coupling a friction damper onto a washing unit or a machine frame of a washing machine comprises a support part for supporting the friction damper with a support plate for putting on the washing unit or on the machine frame, with a support wall and with a pin having a pin longitudinal axis for mounting in a coupling opening of the friction damper, and a locking part coupled pivotably on the support part about a locking pivot axis between a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein the locking part comprises a fastening element, wherein in the locking position the support plate is secured onto the washing unit or the machine frame by means of the fastening element, and wherein in the unlocking position the support plate on the washing unit or on the machine frame is released by the fastening element.