Removable Agitator Design for Washing Machine Load Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of vertical axis washing machines face limited flexibility in choosing agitation elements for different washing operations, as existing machines require a specific type of agitation element to be selected at the time of purchase, restricting the ability to handle various loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design that includes a rotatable impeller base with a threaded bracket and an extended post with a mating thread, allowing for the easy removal and attachment of agitation elements between wash cycles without tools, enabling the use of different agitation types based on user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a specific type of agitation element is selected at the time of purchase, then the machine structure is simple and reliable, but the user flexibility and adaptability for different washing loads is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation element is divided into two separable components: an impeller base that remains in the machine and an extended post that can be removed and replaced. The impeller base includes a mounting face with a threaded bracket, while the extended post has a mating thread for attachment. This segmentation allows users to swap agitation elements without replacing the entire assembly, improving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an impeller agitation element is used, then a greater volume of the wash basket is available for bulky items, but users perceive greater agitation and turnover with single-action or dual-action agitation elements
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic selection of agitation element types based on washing needs. Users can install an impeller base configuration for bulky items that require more basket volume, or install a single-action/dual-action agitation element configuration when stronger agitation and turnover are desired for different load types. This dynamic adaptability resolves the trade-off between basket volume and agitation effectiveness.
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 design provides users with the flexibility to choose agitation elements during each wash cycle, accommodating various loads and improving the handling of bulky items while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting face may include a threaded bracket defining a mounting thread extending about the rotation axis. The extended post may include a mating face disposed on the bottom end. The mating face may define a mating thread matched to the mounting thread to rotatably enmesh therewith.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance may include a tub, a basket, an impeller base, and an extended post. The basket may be rotatably positioned within the tub. The impeller base may include a mounting face including a threaded bracket defining a mounting thread extending about a rotation axis. The extended post may be removably attached to the impeller base to rotate therewith. The extended post may include a base body extending along the rotation axis between a bottom end proximal to the impeller base and a top end distal to the impeller base. The extended post may also include auger fin extending radially from the base body between the bottom end and the top end. The mating face may be disposed on the bottom end. The mating face may define a mating thread matched to the mounting thread to rotatably enmesh therewith.