Pivoting Drum Lifter Structure for Better Wash Water Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drum type washing machines face decreased washing efficiency due to inadequate lifting of laundry and wash water, leading to suboptimal water circulation and impact on laundry during the washing process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lifter system within the drum that includes a lifter housing and pivotally coupled lifter plate, which lifts laundry and wash water during drum rotation, utilizing stoppers and impact buffers to enhance lifting and circulation without additional circulation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional lifter is used in the drum, then the structure is simple, but the laundry and wash water are not lifted sufficiently, resulting in decreased washing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter is divided into two functional parts: a lifter housing that provides structural support and attachment to the drum, and a lifter plate that performs the actual lifting function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall lifting efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lifter plate is designed to pivot relative to the lifter housing, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during drum rotation. This dynamic capability enables the lifter plate to effectively engage with and lift laundry and wash water to higher positions, thereby improving washing efficiency
2Productivity
If the drum rotates at normal speed, then energy consumption is moderate, but wash water circulation is insufficient, leading to poor washing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter system utilizes the drum's own rotational motion to lift and drop wash water, creating natural circulation currents. The pivoting lifter plate automatically engages with wash water during upward rotation and releases it during downward rotation, enabling self-sustaining water circulation without requiring additional energy input or separate circulation devices
3Productivity
If the lifter plate is rigidly fixed, then the structure is simple, but the impact of laundry with water and detergent is reduced, decreasing washing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter plate is designed to pivot relative to the lifter housing, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during drum rotation. This dynamic capability enables the lifter plate to effectively engage with and lift laundry and wash water to higher positions, thereby improving washing efficiency
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
This solution improves washing efficiency by lifting laundry and wash water to higher positions, increasing the impact with detergent and water, and actively circulating wash water, thus enhancing the cleaning process without the need for separate circulation devices.
Implementation Method 1
a lifter on the drum, configured to lift the laundry in the drum by upward rotation of the drum
Implementation Method 2
The lifter comprises: a lifter housing fixed to the drum and having one or more openings in one or more ends or sides; and a lifter plate pivotally coupled to the lifter housing, the lifter plate being configured to hold water in the lifter during the upward rotation of the drum
Implementation Method 3
improving washing efficiency with the help of an increased head of wash water
Implementation Method 4
performs washing using impact generated when the laundry is lifted by a lifter in the drum and then dropped into the wash water and detergent in the drum
Implementation Method 5
improving the circulation of wash water by pumping (or lifting) and dropping the wash water using a lifter during the rotation of the drum
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a drum type washing machine, including a cabinet configured to form an outer appearance; a tub in the cabinet and configured to contain water therein; a drum in the tub and configured to accommodate laundry therein; and a lifter on the drum, configured to lift the laundry in the drum by upward rotation of the drum. The lifter comprises a lifter housing fixed to the drum and having an opening in one or more ends or sides thereof; and a lifter plate pivotally coupled to the lifter housing, the lifter plate being configured to hold water in the lifter during the upward rotation of the drum.