Nonlinear Drum Lifter Structure for Better Laundry Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Front loading washing machines with linear lifters struggle to efficiently lift laundry and promote smooth water circulation, leading to suboptimal washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a nonlinear lifter having a centerline oriented at a predetermined angle to the drum's rotational axis, featuring bulged airfoil-shaped protrusions and guide surfaces to enhance water flow and laundry lifting, and coupling parts for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a linear lifter structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the laundry lifting efficiency is poor and water circulation is not smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter structure is changed from a linear form to a nonlinear curved form. The lifter includes a curved lifting surface that follows a nonlinear trajectory, allowing laundry to be lifted more effectively as the drum rotates. This curvature enables the lifter to engage laundry at optimal angles and deposit it at higher positions, improving lifting efficiency without complicating manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifter design introduces asymmetric features including a predetermined angle between the lifter centerline and drum rotational axis, and asymmetric bulged portions on lateral sides. This asymmetry creates irregular water flow patterns and enhances the lifting action by positioning the lifting surface at optimized angles relative to the drum rotation, thereby improving both laundry lifting and water circulation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a linear lifter structure is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the water circulation and flow in the drum is not active and smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The nonlinear curved shape of the lifter creates dynamic water flow patterns as water follows the curved surface during drum rotation. This curvature generates active circulation by directing water along the lifter surface and releasing it at elevated positions, promoting thorough mixing and circulation throughout the drum volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric orientation of the lifter centerline at a predetermined angle to the rotational axis, combined with asymmetric bulged portions, generates irregular and enhanced water flow patterns. This asymmetry prevents stagnant zones and promotes active water circulation by creating varied flow trajectories and velocities throughout the drum.
3Device complexity
If the lifter centerline is oriented parallel to the rotational axis, then the structure is straightforward, but the laundry lifting performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter centerline is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the drum rotational axis, creating an asymmetric configuration. This angular orientation optimizes the lifting trajectory by engaging laundry at favorable angles during drum rotation and depositing it at higher positions, significantly improving lifting performance while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 nonlinear lifter design improves laundry lifting and water circulation, increasing washing performance by generating active and irregular water flows, preventing laundry drop, and enhancing frictional contact, resulting in improved washing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each of section of the first and the second protrusions may be formed as an airfoil shape
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine having a lifter is disclosed. The washing machine comprises a housing; a tub provided in the housing and holding washing water therein; a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and receiving laundry therein; and a lifter mounted to an inner surface of the drum to lift the laundry while rotating along with the drum, wherein the lifter is formed to have a nonlinear shape, and wherein the lifter is oriented such that a centerline thereof forms a predetermined angle with respect to a rotational axis of the drum.