Removable Agitator Design for Washing Machine Agitation Versatility
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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 options (impeller, single-action, and dual-action) are fixed at the time of purchase, restricting the ability to handle various loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design that allows for the removable agitation element, comprising an impeller base and an extended post with a mating collar and attachment piston, enabling easy attachment and detachment without tools, providing flexibility in agitation type for each wash cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed agitation element is installed in the washing machine, then the machine can perform washing operations, but the user cannot switch between different agitation types for different washing needs
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation element is divided into separate modular components: an impeller base that remains fixed in the machine and removable agitation elements (extended posts with different fin configurations) that can be detached and exchanged. This segmentation allows users to switch between different agitation types by simply removing one post and installing another, without affecting the overall machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller base is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple types of agitation elements. The base structure serves multiple functions: providing structural support, housing the attachment mechanism for different post types, and enabling the machine to perform various washing operations with a single base unit.
2Volume of stationary object
If an impeller agitation element is used, then more volume is available for bulky items, but less agitation and turnover is provided compared to single-action or dual-action elements
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic selection of agitation elements based on the washing load. For bulky items, users install the impeller base alone for maximum volume. For loads requiring more agitation, they attach single-action or dual-action extended posts with appropriate fin configurations. This dynamic adaptability resolves the trade-off between volume and agitation effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a removable agitation element design is implemented, then users can switch between agitation types, but the attachment and detachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-servicing for the user. The extended posts feature self-aligning mounting features that guide them into the correct position on the impeller base, and spring-loaded or friction-fit retention mechanisms that automatically secure them without requiring tools or complex adjustment procedures. Users can simply snap posts on and off themselves.
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 be rotatably mounted within the basket. The impeller base may include an impeller platform and a mounting face defined on the impeller platform. The mounting face may define a recessed cup. The extended post may be removably attached to the impeller base to rotate therewith. The extended post may define an interior cavity. The extended post may include a mating collar and an attachment piston. The mating collar may be on the bottom end in selective engagement with the mounting face at the recessed cup. The attachment piston may include a piston flange extending radially outward at an upper piston end and define an upper radial contact surface in selective engagement with a portion of an inner surface of the mating collar.