Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Front-loading washing machines face challenges in inducing friction and twisting of laundry due to the reliance on impact force, and existing clutch mechanisms are complex, occupying space and requiring separate control systems.
Innovation Solution
A simplified clutch system using a planetary gear train to rotate the pulsator and inner tub in opposite directions, eliminating the need for a separate driving source and reducing the number of components by utilizing a motor to control the clutch system through rotation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clutch mechanism portion is provided to connect or disconnect the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft, then the washing machine can rotate the stirring body and drum at different speeds during washing, but the configuration becomes complicated and occupies space that could be used to expand drum capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is merged with the planetary gear train structure. The clutch carrier, which is part of the planetary gear mechanism, serves dual functions: it transmits rotational force during washing and enables clutching/dischutching operations during dewatering by locking or releasing the sun gear. This integration eliminates the need for separate clutch components (clutch body, clutch spring, clutch lever, etc.) and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to switch between washing and dewatering modes
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear train is designed to perform multiple functions: during washing, it transmits rotational force from the motor to both the stirring body and drum at different speeds; during dewatering, it enables the clutching mechanism to connect or disconnect the rotation shafts. The same structural components (sun gear, planet gears, clutch carrier) serve both washing and dewatering operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function
2Ease of operation
If a clutch mechanism portion with various components is provided, then the washing machine can control rotation of the stirring body and drum, but the space occupied by these parts becomes an obstacle to expanding the capacity of the drum
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism components are merged into the existing planetary gear train structure. The clutch carrier, sun gear, and planet gears are integrated such that the clutching function is achieved through the existing structural elements rather than adding separate clutch components. This integration minimizes the additional space required for clutch mechanism components, preserving more internal space for drum capacity expansion
3Reliability
If a separate driving source is provided for the clutch mechanism, then the clutch system can operate independently, but the device complexity increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The motor that drives the planetary gear train during washing is made to serve dual purposes: it provides rotational force during washing and controls the clutching/dischutching operations during dewatering by controlling the rotation of the clutch carrier. This eliminates the need for a separate driving source for the clutch mechanism, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable clutch operation through the motor's rotation control
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism utilizes the rotational motion already generated by the motor during normal operation to achieve clutching and dischutching. The clutch carrier's rotation, which is a natural byproduct of the motor's operation, is harnessed to engage or disengage the clutch connection between the rotation shafts. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated actuators or driving sources for the clutch system
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 system enhances washing power by rotating the pulsator and inner tub in opposite directions, simplifying the clutch system and eliminating the need for a separate power source, thereby improving washing efficiency and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation of a first rotation shaft for rotating the stirring body is reduced through a planetary gear mechanism (deceleration mechanism) and transmitted to a second rotation shaft for rotating the drum
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising an outer tub containing water, and an inner tub disposed in the outer tub to accommodate laundry and rotated about a horizontal axis. The washing machine includes: a motor for providing rotational force; an outer shaft that has a first hollow, and rotates the inner tub; an inner shaft disposed in the first hollow and rotated by the motor; a pulsator disposed in the inner tub and coupled with the inner shaft; a planetary gear train for transmitting rotational force of the motor; a carrier mover which has an outer circumferential surface that is spline-coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the outer shaft, and an inner circumferential surface that is screwed with an outer circumferential surface of the clutch carrier; and a stopper restricting movement of the carrier mover, thereby achieving various washing modes with a simple mechanism by rotating the inner tub and the pulsator.