Asymmetrical Laundry Deflector for Low-Abrasion Drum Reentry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry deflector devices in washing machines are prone to damaging laundry and the cuff due to high friction, and are ineffective in detaching protruding items without causing abrasion or tearing.
Innovation Solution
A laundry deflector device with asymmetrical wedge-shaped deflector elements, featuring a flat flank profile transitioning into a steep undercut, is positioned on the cuff to gently detach and guide laundry back into the drum, reducing friction and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid laundry deflector is used to detach protruding laundry items, then the detachment effectiveness is improved, but the laundry and cuff are damaged due to high friction and abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the deflector from rigid to elastic, allowing it to deform and recover. This elastic behavior reduces friction and abrasion on laundry while maintaining detachment effectiveness. The elastic deflector can flex under laundry pressure and return to its original shape, preventing permanent damage to both laundry and cuff.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastic material for the deflector that combines flexibility with sufficient structural integrity. This composite approach allows the deflector to be soft enough to avoid damage but firm enough to effectively detach laundry items from the drum opening area.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a very elastic deflector part is used to reduce damage, then the friction and laundry damage are reduced, but the deflector becomes unstable and cannot detach laundry with sufficient certainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the elasticity parameter of the deflector material to achieve a balance between softness and stability. The elastic deflector is designed with specific material properties that provide sufficient rigidity for reliable laundry detachment while maintaining flexibility to reduce friction and prevent damage.
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 effectively detaches laundry from the cuff without damage, reduces friction-related wear, and ensures items are automatically guided back into the drum, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the laundry detachment process.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sleeve (5') that connects the opening of the container to the window opening
Implementation Method 2
A deflector element is wedge-shaped and, in the direction of a first end of the deflector element, is designed with a flat flank profile
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a laundry deflector device for a household appliance for attending to items of laundry, said device comprising at least one deflector element (61, 62) which is wedge-shaped and has a flat edge (614) in the direction of a first end (611, 621) on the side opposite a base side (613), and a steep edge (615, 625) in the direction of a second end (612, 622) opposite the first end (611, 621), on the side opposite the base side (613). Said device is undercut at least in sections on the second end (612, 622).