Lifting device and washing machine having same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines are difficult to move due to time and labor-consuming manual lifting, and existing mobile devices often result in deformed or damaged casters and noisy hydraulic/pneumatic systems, complicating the structure and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a driving mechanism, connecting rods, levers, and support feet that allows for vertical movement of the washing machine, incorporating a power device and speed reducer to facilitate easy movement and prevent tilting, using universal wheels for ground contact and fixed feet for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If casters are used on the bottom support plate to facilitate movement, then the washing machine can be moved more easily, but the wheel bodies are easily deformed and damaged during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weight-bearing function from the casters and transfers it to the fixed feet. The casters are removed from direct ground contact, eliminating their exposure to deformation and damage risks while preserving their mobility function when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the washing machine can switch between two states: supported by fixed feet for stability during operation, and supported by casters for mobility during transport. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by ensuring casters only bear weight during movement phases.
2Reliability
If hydraulic and pneumatic devices are installed on the bottom support plate to raise/lower the washing machine, then the casters are protected from direct ground contact, but the structure becomes complicated and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or pneumatic lifting mechanisms with a simple mechanical linkage system consisting of levers and connecting rods. This mechanical substitution achieves the same lifting function while dramatically reducing structural complexity and eliminating noise associated with fluid power systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism utilizes the washing machine's own weight and a simple lever system to achieve raising and lowering without requiring external hydraulic or pneumatic power sources. The system serves itself using basic mechanical advantage principles.
3Device complexity
If manual lifting is used to move the washing machine, then the structure remains simple, but it is time and labor consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service lifting mechanism where the washing machine's own weight, combined with the lever system, provides the lifting force needed. Users simply need to activate the mechanism rather than manually lift the entire appliance, significantly reducing time and labor while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism creates a mechanical advantage system that balances the heavy weight of the washing machine against a much smaller user-applied force through lever arms. This equipotential approach allows easy lifting without complex machinery.
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 lifting device simplifies the movement of washing machines, reduces the risk of caster damage, and enhances user experience by allowing easy pushing and firm grounding, while maintaining a straightforward structure.
Implementation Method 1
a first lever having a first length, a second lever having a second length... the first lever is pivotally connected to the supported apparatus between the first end and the second end thereof; a second end of the second lever is pivotally connected to another one of the support feet, and the second lever is pivotally connected to the supported apparatus between the first end and the second end thereof
Implementation Method 2
a driving device, a connecting rod, a first lever having a first length, a second lever having a second length... to facilitate easy movement and prevent tilting
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting device and a washing machine to resolve difficulty moving a washing machine. The device includes a driving device, a connection rod, a first lever, a second lever and support legs, where the driving device is on the bottom of a washing machine body; the support legs are arranged at the bottom of the body; the driving device is connected to a first end of the first lever and to a first end of the second lever in a driving manner, by the connection rod; a second end of the first lever is connected to one of the support legs, and a pivoting end of the first lever is connected to the washing machine body; and a second end of the second lever is connected to one of the support legs, and a pivoting end of the second lever is connected to the washing machine body.