Washing machine appliance having a removable agitator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers are limited in their choice of agitation elements for washing machines, as they must decide at the time of purchase which type to use for different loads, lacking flexibility between washing operations or cycles.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine appliance design that allows for the removable agitation element, comprising an impeller base with extendable posts and a cam groove mechanism for easy attachment and detachment without tools, enabling users to switch between different agitation types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed agitation element type is selected at purchase, then the washing machine can provide consistent performance for that specific agitation type, but the user loses flexibility to adapt to different washing loads and cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation element is divided into separable components: an impeller base that remains in the washing machine and an extended post that can be removed and replaced. This segmentation allows users to swap between different agitation element types (single-action, dual-action, impeller) without replacing the entire assembly, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller base is designed as a universal mounting platform that can accommodate multiple types of extended posts with different agitation functions. The standardized mounting interface (mounting face with central bracket and mounting channel) allows a single base to support various agitation element configurations, enabling one washing machine to perform multiple agitation functions
2Ease of operation
If the agitation element is made removable for user flexibility, then users can switch between different agitation types, but the attachment and detachment mechanism must be simple enough for tool-free operation
Solution Approach 1:
The extended post incorporates a spring-loaded connector column with a follower pin that moves dynamically within a cam groove during attachment and detachment. The spring provides automatic engagement force when attaching, and the cam groove geometry guides the follower pin through locking and unlocking positions, enabling tool-free operation while maintaining secure attachment during washing
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded connector column automatically engages with the impeller base mounting channel when the extended post is inserted, using spring force to drive the follower pin into the locked position within the cam groove. This self-engaging mechanism eliminates the need for tools or manual locking operations, allowing users to simply push the extended post onto the impeller base for secure attachment
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
Provides flexibility in selecting agitation elements between washing operations or cycles, enhancing user convenience and adaptability to various loads without requiring tools for removal.
Implementation Method 1
The column spring may be in biased engagement with the connector column and the shader collar to motivate axial expansion therebetween
Implementation Method 2
The connector column may selectively rest on the impeller cap and defining a cam groove above the bottom end. The shader collar may include a follower pin seated within the cam groove to move therealong
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance may include a tub, a basket, an impeller base, and an extended post. The impeller base may include one or more impeller fins extending radially outward from the rotation axis, a mounting face disposed radially inward from the one or more impeller fins, and an impeller cap. The mounting face may include a central bracket defining a mounting channel. The impeller cap may be slidably seated within the central bracket. The extended post may be removably attached to the impeller base and include a connector column, a shader collar, and a mating face. The connector column may selectively rest on the impeller cap and defining a cam groove above a bottom end. The shader collar may be disposed about the connector column and include a follower pin seated within the cam groove. The mating face may include a locator wing received within the mounting channel.