Monolithic Washer Spacer for Quiet, Easy Transport Lock Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacer devices for securing oscillating assemblies in laundry washing machines, washing/drying machines, and clothes dryers often trap the tubular component, leading to noise and potential damage due to vibration, and are difficult to remove, causing user discomfort and incorrect failure impressions.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic spacer device made through rubber-to-plastic overmoulding, forming a single enbloc element with a tubular and discoidal portion, allowing easy screw insertion and removal, and featuring ergonomic grip means for effortless extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-component spacer device with a tubular component and discoidal component is used, then the connection stability during transport is improved, but the device complexity increases and the tubular component becomes trapped causing noise and user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tubular component and discoidal component into a single integrated monolithic spacer device. The tubular portion and discoidal head are formed as one piece through rubber-to-plastic overmoulding, eliminating the joint between components. This resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining connection stability while reducing device complexity and preventing the tubular component from becoming trapped.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining rubber and plastic in a rubber-to-plastic overmoulding process. The monolithic spacer device features a plastic tubular portion and a rubber discoidal head, creating a composite structure that integrates two materials into one component. This approach maintains the functional benefits of both materials while eliminating the need for assembly joints, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the tubular component is removably connected to the discoidal component, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the tubular component remains trapped inside the appliance causing vibration noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tubular component and discoidal component into a single monolithic structure, eliminating the removable joint that caused the tubular component to become trapped. By integrating both components into one piece, the invention prevents the harmful effect of vibration noise while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through overmoulding processes.
3Ease of operation
If the spacer device is made as a single enbloc element through rubber-to-plastic overmoulding, then the tubular component extraction problem is solved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rubber-to-plastic overmoulding to create a monolithic spacer device that integrates the tubular plastic portion and discoidal rubber head. This composite manufacturing approach allows the device to be produced as a single piece, enabling easy extraction and eliminating the need for complex assembly or disassembly operations, thereby improving ease of operation despite the specialized manufacturing process.
4Reliability
If a discoidal elastic component is used to anchor to the rear panel, then the securing connection is improved, but the device becomes difficult to remove completely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the discoidal elastic component with the tubular component into a single monolithic spacer device. This integration allows the entire device to be removed as one piece by simply unscrewing the securing screw, eliminating the problem of leaving the tubular component trapped. The elastic component maintains its anchoring function while the unified structure enables complete and easy removal.
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
Ensures a stable connection during transport, reduces noise, and facilitates easy removal of the spacer device, enhancing user comfort and preventing incorrect failure impressions.
Implementation Method 1
the discoidal elastic component is deformed and adheres to the rear panel of the cabinet
Implementation Method 2
the discoidal elastic component is deformed and adheres to the rear panel of the cabinet
Implementation Method 3
an enbloc spacer device which may, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, be a multimaterial element advantageously obtained by rubber-to-plastic overmoulding
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a spacer device (1) adapted to be used preferably in a device for securing the oscillating assembly to the cabinet of a laundry washing machine, washing/drying machine or clothes dryer. Said spacer device (1) comprises a first portion (20), a second portion (6), and a cavity (8) for a securing screw. The spacer device (1) according to the invention is an enbloc device, preferably a multimaterial one.