Front-Loading Washing Machine with Adjustable Access Port Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Front-loading washing machines have fixed door openings, making them inconvenient for users, especially the aged, and require complete immersion of laundry, leading to poor water savings and increased laundry abrasion.
Innovation Solution
A front-loading washing machine with an adjustable door opening direction and access port position, allowing the access port to move up and down between 0° to 90°, facilitated by a driving mechanism, enabling easier loading, unloading, and washing while reducing water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the door unit is fixed to the washing machine with unidirectional opening, then the structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability to different usage environments and user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door unit is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The door mounting position on the tub can be adjusted between front surface mounting and side surface mounting, allowing the door opening direction to be changed according to different usage environments and user needs, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the access port is fixed at front surface position, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation for loading and unloading laundry deteriorates, especially for special populations
Solution Approach 1:
The access port is transformed from a fixed position to an adjustable position. By adjusting the door mounting position between front surface and side surface, the access port location changes accordingly, allowing users to choose the most convenient access position for loading and unloading laundry, particularly benefiting special populations such as the elderly.
3Loss of substance
If the access port is fixed at lower position, then the structure is simple, but the water saving effect deteriorates because laundry must be completely immersed in water
Solution Approach 1:
The access port position is transformed from fixed to adjustable. By adjusting the door mounting position, the access port can be positioned at different heights, allowing optimization of water consumption during washing operations while maintaining structural simplicity through the existing door mounting mechanism.
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 provides convenient usage, low laundry abrasion, and reduced water costs by allowing adjustable access for users and minimizing water requirements during washing.
Implementation Method 1
a driving mechanism provided in the cabinet, coupled with the tub and configured to drive the tub to move up and down in the opening; a motion range of the access port in the opening is configured in such a manner that an included angle between a central axis of the access port and a horizontal plane ranges from 0° to 90°; wherein the driving mechanism comprises: a longitudinal pushrod disposed at a front side of the tub; a transverse shaft disposed at a rear side of the tub and coupled to the tub
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a front-loading washing machine (1). The front-loading washing machine (1) includes: a cabinet (100) having a front panel (110) which is provided with an opening (111); a tub having an access port for loading and unloading laundry which is disposed in the cabinet (100) and configured in such a manner that the access port is capable of being moved up and down in the opening (111); a rotatable drum disposed in the tub; a door unit (300) mounted to the tub and configured to cover the access port; and a driving mechanism provided in the cabinet (100) coupled to the tub and configured to drive the tub to rotate.