Plastic Support Base With Universal Fixing for Stable Laundry Appliances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support bases for household appliances like washing machines and dryers are heavy, costly, and prone to displacement due to their metal construction, which makes them difficult to transport and install, and lack universal fixing systems, leading to instability during operation.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional support base made of non-metallic materials, specifically plastic with integrated stiffening ribs, that includes a universal fixing system and a rolling mechanism to facilitate easier movement and secure positioning of appliances, reducing weight and cost while enhancing structural integrity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal materials are used for support base construction, then strength and stability are improved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestrengthVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support base uses composite construction combining plastic material for the main body with integrated plastic injection-molded feet, creating a multi-material structure that reduces weight while maintaining the strength and stability required to support household appliances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The support base is divided into functional segments including the main base body, integrated feet with anti-slip elements, and optional drawer components, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If metal materials are used for support base construction, then strength and stability are improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestrengthVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support base uses composite construction combining plastic material for the main body with integrated plastic injection-molded feet, creating a multi-material structure that reduces weight while maintaining the strength and stability required to support household appliances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The feet are integrated directly into the support base through plastic injection molding, merging what would traditionally be separate metal components into a single molded part, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If anti-slip rubber feet are used, then stability is improved, but ease of movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support base incorporates a dynamic movement mechanism with rollers or casters that can be engaged or disengaged, allowing the base to transition between a stable fixed state during appliance operation and a mobile state for repositioning or cleaning purposes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If fixing systems are integrated into the support base, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support base incorporates a universal fixing system with adjustable positioning mechanisms and standardized attachment interfaces that can accommodate various household appliance types and sizes, allowing a single base design to serve multiple functions and applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2126185B1Multi-functional support base for washing machines, washer dryers and dryers
Publication Date: 2016.06.22 MECCANICA GENERAL SRL
  • EP2126185B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2126185B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2126185B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a multi-functional support base (48) made of plastic materials for household appliances, in particular washing machines, washer dryers, dryers or similar appliances, with box-shaped structure, provided with a drawer (51) and fixing means for the appliance.