Washer appliance with removable agitator post and torque transmitting shape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines with fixed agitators consume valuable space and user perception often favors designs with visible agitators, despite newer impeller technologies being more effective, especially for larger loads and water conservation.
Innovation Solution
A washing appliance with a removable agitator post that can be easily installed or removed without special tools, utilizing an impeller interface with alignment pins and apertures for secure attachment, allowing for adjustable agitation options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional post-type agitator is used, then user perception of cleaning effectiveness is improved, but wash space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator post is made removable rather than fixed, allowing the system to dynamically adapt between two configurations: with agitator for user-preferred cleaning action, and without agitator for maximum wash space. This resolves the contradiction by making the space-consuming component optional rather than permanent.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitator post is separated from the impeller assembly, creating independent removable and stationary components. The alignment pins and apertures enable easy attachment/detachment, allowing users to segment the system based on washing needs, thus resolving the space versus perception contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional post-type agitator is used, then agitation action is provided, but installation/removal requires special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pins are designed to be spring-biased and automatically engage with apertures when the agitator post is inserted, eliminating the need for special installation tools. The user can simply push the agitator into place and it self-secures, then self-releases when pulled upward.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional threaded or bolted mechanical fastening system is replaced with a simple friction-fit and spring-biased alignment pin system. This substitution eliminates complex tool requirements while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
3Loss of substance
If water conservation requirements are implemented, then water usage is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different water conditions by allowing users to remove the agitator post when using reduced water volumes, as the impeller alone can provide sufficient agitation. When higher water volumes are used, the agitator can be installed to provide enhanced cleaning action, thus maintaining reliability across varying water conservation scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing appliance including a removable agitator post having a recess configured for complementary receipt of an impeller interface. A plurality of apertures can be spaced around a bottom end of the agitator post. A plurality of alignment pins may extend from the impeller interface and into the plurality of apertures. The alignment pins can be movable in and out of the apertures so that the agitator post can be secured to, or released from, the impeller interface.