Laundry Front Panel Pulling Assembly for Rattle-Free Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry appliances, such as washing machines, often experience rattling noises due to gaps between the front panel and the housing, which existing fixing methods using screws as both fixing and pulling elements cannot effectively address.
Innovation Solution
A separate pulling device is introduced, distinct from the fixing device, to exert a pulling force in a different direction, mechanically coupled with the fixing device to ensure the front panel is securely pressed against the housing, eliminating gaps and reducing rattling noises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If screws are used as both fixing and pulling elements in the same direction, then the structure is simple, but the front panel cannot be securely pressed against the housing to eliminate gaps and rattling noises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single screw function into two separate components: a fixing device (screw) that secures the front panel to the housing, and a separate pulling device that applies pre-tension to press the front panel against the housing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, eliminating gaps and rattling noises while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling device acts as an intermediary element between the front panel and the housing, applying a pulling force in the pulling direction to press the front panel against the housing. This intermediary mechanism enables effective pre-tension application without requiring the fixing screw to perform dual functions, thereby eliminating rattling noises while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate pulling device is introduced with different fixing and pulling directions, then rattling noises are eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fixing and pulling functions into separate devices with distinct directions, the patent effectively eliminates rattling noises. The fixing device secures the panel while the pulling device applies pre-tension, and this functional segmentation prevents the harmful rattling effect without creating excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling device is designed to work in conjunction with the fixing device, creating a universal assembly system that handles both fixation and pre-tensioning. This multi-functional approach addresses the rattling noise problem while maintaining reasonable device complexity through integrated design.
3Ease of manufacture
If screws are screwed in a fixing movement perpendicular to the front panel, then the front panel is fixed to the housing, but gaps remain and rattling noises occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixing operation into two independent actions: first, the screw is screwed in perpendicular to the front panel to secure it to the housing (maintaining ease of manufacture); second, the separate pulling device applies a pulling force to eliminate gaps and prevent rattling noises. This segmentation preserves the simplicity of the fixing operation while eliminating harmful gaps and rattling.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling device applies pre-tension to the front panel before final operation, pressing it against the housing to eliminate gaps. This preliminary action prevents rattling noises from occurring during operation, while the screw fixing remains simple and easy to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
Laundry appliance (1), for example laundry washing machine, laundry dryer or laundry washer dryer, having a) a cabinet (2) with a housing (10) having at least one front face (112A, 112B) and at least one front panel (12), b) at least one fixing device (38, 22, 131) for fixing said front panel (12) to the housing (10) by applying a fixing force in a fixing direction (FD),and c) at least one pulling device (20, 30, 12A, 12B) for exerting a pulling force (F) in a pulling direction (PD) onto the front panel (12) pulling the front panel (12) against at least one front face (112A, 112B) of the housing (10, 10A, 10B). The fixing direction (FD) of the fixing force is different to the pulling direction (PD) of the pulling force (F), and the fixing device (38A, 131) is coupled to the pulling device (30) in such a way that the fixing force generates the pulling force (F) or is partly transformed into the pulling force (F).