Inner Tub Locking Mechanism for Smooth Rod Reciprocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulsator washing machines suffer from significant water wastage and contamination issues due to water leakage and poor sealing between the inner and outer tubs, leading to reduced detergent concentration, bacterial growth, and cross-contamination of clothing and human bodies.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism for the inner tub with a bearing in the slideway to reduce friction and an idle stroke mechanism to prevent motor stalling, ensuring smooth reciprocation of the locking rod and preventing water accumulation and bacterial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking rod reciprocates in the slideway during washing machine operation, then the locking mechanism can control the inner tub for washing, drainage, and dewatering functions, but the friction between the locking rod and slideway becomes maximum at certain crank positions (90° or 270°), causing the motor to stall and the system to fail
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing is introduced as an intermediary component between the locking rod and the slideway. The bearing reduces direct friction contact by providing a low-friction surface for the locking rod to move against, thereby preventing motor stalling while maintaining the locking mechanism's operational control over the inner tub.
2Device complexity
If through holes are provided in the inner tub to communicate with the outer tub, then the washing machine structure is simple, but water wastage increases and detergent concentration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication holes between the inner and outer tubs are removed entirely. Instead, a controlled drainage system is implemented where water is drained through a drainage port at the bottom of the inner tub, which is controlled by a drainage valve. This extraction of the through-hole structure eliminates unnecessary water loss while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Productivity
If water flows frequently between the inner tub and outer tub, then the washing machine can drain water, but the area between the tubs becomes a space for filth accumulation and bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The communication pathway between the inner and outer tubs is completely removed by eliminating the through holes. Water drainage is redirected to flow only through the controlled drainage port at the bottom of the inner tub, which opens to the external environment. This extraction prevents water from accumulating in the inter-tub space, thereby eliminating the breeding ground for bacteria and filth.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the locking rod extends and retracts to control the drainage port, then the washing machine can switch between washing and drainage modes, but the friction increases at specific positions causing operational failure
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing is introduced as a mediator between the locking rod and the slideway to facilitate smooth reciprocation. The bearing reduces friction during the extension and retraction of the locking rod, enabling reliable mode switching between washing, drainage, and dewatering operations without causing operational failure.
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 reduces water wastage by maintaining water within the inner tub during washing, prevents bacterial growth by ensuring effective drainage, and avoids motor damage by allowing smooth operation and automatic reset, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of the washing machine.
Implementation Method 1
A bearing is arranged between the locking rod and the slideway
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism of an inner tub and a washing machine. The locking mechanism (300) comprises a locking rod (302) capable of reciprocating along an axial direction, a slideway (304) for the movement of the locking rod (302) and a driving unit for driving the locking rod (302) to move, the driving unit comprises a link, a crank and a rotating motor (324); wherein, a bearing (340) is mounted between the locking rod (302) and the slideway (304). The bearing (340) which mounted between the locking rod (302) and the slideway (304), is to reduce the friction between the locking rod (302) and the slideway (304), and to prevent the locking rod (302) from moving unsmooth that caused by got stuck from the slideway (304). When the crank rotates to 90°or 270°, and the friction between the locking rod (302) and the slideway (304) is maximum, the locking rod (302) is ensured to move smooth.