Laundry treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses are limited in forming a three-dimensional water flow due to the pulsator and agitator rotating in the same direction, leading to reduced washing efficiency and increased complexity and cost when attempting to independently rotate them using multiple motors.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a pulsator and agitator configured to rotate in opposite directions, driven by a single motor and two planetary gear-type gear assemblies, allowing the pulsator to rotate opposite to the agitator's direction while sharing the same rotational force transmission mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pulsator and agitator are configured to rotate in the same direction, then the structure is simpler, but a three-dimensional water flow cannot be formed, reducing washing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two planetary gear assemblies into a single integrated transmission system that shares a common sun gear and ring gear. The sun gear is driven by a single motor, and both planetary gear assemblies are mounted on the same central axis within the drum. This merging approach enables the pulsator and agitator to rotate in opposite directions through a unified mechanical system, forming three-dimensional water flow for improved washing efficiency while avoiding the need for separate motors and control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the gear ratio and configuration of the planetary gear assemblies to invert the rotation direction. By designing the two planetary gear assemblies with different gear ratios or tooth configurations, the system converts the single motor's rotation into opposite rotational directions for the pulsator and agitator. This inversion principle allows the creation of complex water flow patterns without requiring independent motor control for each component
2Productivity
If two motors are used to independently rotate the pulsator and agitator, then they can rotate in opposite directions, but the structure becomes complicated and price competitiveness is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two independent motors into a single motor-driven planetary gear system. The unified transmission mechanism uses a common sun gear, ring gear, and planet gears to simultaneously control both the pulsator and agitator. This consolidation reduces the number of motors from two to one, simplifies the overall structure, and maintains the ability to rotate components in opposite directions through gear ratio design
Solution Approach 2:
The single planetary gear transmission system performs multiple functions: it drives both the pulsator and agitator, controls their rotation directions, and adjusts their speeds through gear ratios. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate motor assemblies and control circuits for each rotating component, reducing system complexity while maintaining operational versatility
3Productivity
If two motors are used to independently rotate the pulsator and agitator, then they can rotate in opposite directions, but the price increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two independent motors into a single motor-driven planetary gear system. The unified transmission mechanism uses a common sun gear, ring gear, and planet gears to simultaneously control both the pulsator and agitator. This merging approach reduces the number of motors from two to one, directly lowering the bill of materials cost and improving price competitiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The single planetary gear transmission system performs multiple functions: it drives both the pulsator and agitator, controls their rotation directions, and adjusts their speeds through gear ratios. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate motor assemblies and control circuits for each rotating component, reducing system complexity while maintaining operational versatility
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a laundry treating apparatus including a tub for providing therein a space for water to be stored, a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub and providing therein a space for clothes to be stored, wherein the drum includes an open surface for inserting and withdrawing the clothes therethrough and a bottom surface located on an opposite side of the open surface, a pulsator rotatably disposed on the bottom surface and inside the drum, an agitator protruding from the pulsator inside the drum and extending toward the open surface, wherein the agitator is rotatably disposed at a center of the pulsator, and a driver configured to drive at least one of the drum, the pulsator, and the agitator. The pulsator and the agitator may be configured to rotate in opposite directions.