Coupling system of removable compartment for appliances
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupling systems for additional washing baskets in clothes washing machines are complex, require additional components, increase torque, and lead to wear and fluid communication issues, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system featuring a balancing device with convex protrusions and a removable washing compartment with complementary concave grooves for secure, fluid-independent attachment, eliminating the need for extra components and reducing wear, with easy insertion and removal, and low production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional washing compartment is coupled to the upper end of the stirrer, then independent washing zones are achieved, but the torque required to rotate the stirrer increases and friction causes wear during centrifugation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the washing machine into two independent washing zones: a main washing basket and an additional removable compartment. The additional compartment is segmented from the main basket and couples to the drum periphery rather than the stirrer, allowing independent operation while avoiding increased stirrer torque. Each zone can process different loads simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism between the additional compartment and the drum periphery. This intermediary structure allows the additional compartment to be attached without directly loading the stirrer, using the drum's rotational movement instead, thereby avoiding increased torque requirements on the stirrer mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional washing compartment is coupled to the stirrer axis, then independent washing zones are achieved, but friction between parts causes wear and damage during centrifugation
Solution Approach 1:
The additional compartment is segmented from the main washing basket and couples to the drum periphery rather than the stirrer axis. This segmentation isolates the additional compartment from the high-friction stirrer mechanism, allowing it to rotate independently with minimal friction and wear during centrifugation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of coupling the additional compartment to the stirrer axis (conventional approach), the invention inverts the coupling location to the drum periphery. This inversion places the additional compartment away from the high-stress stirrer mechanism, reducing friction and wear while maintaining independent washing capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flange is used to link the small washing basket to the hydro-balancer ring, then coupling is achieved, but additional components are required and fluid communication may occur causing stains
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the coupling function with the drum structure itself. The additional compartment couples directly to the drum periphery, eliminating the need for separate flange components. This integration maintains fluid seal integrity while simplifying the overall structure and reducing the number of potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the problematic flange component from the coupling system. By coupling the additional compartment directly to the drum periphery without intermediate flanges, the design eliminates the source of potential fluid leakage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coupling systems are used, then additional washing compartments are achieved, but the construction becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the additional washing compartment with the drum structure through direct periphery coupling. This integration eliminates the need for complex intermediate coupling mechanisms, hydro-balancer ring modifications, or separate flange assemblies, thereby simplifying the overall construction while maintaining the additional washing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum periphery serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the washing machine, enables rotational movement, and acts as the coupling location for the additional compartment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall construction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling system for fitting and attaching of a removable internal basket for a washing machine. The washing machine comprises a removable washing compartment configured to be mounted in the washing machine. The washing machine includes at least one convex protrusion or at least one concave groove across a portion of an inner side surface, and the removable washing compartment includes the other of at least one convex protrusion or at least one concave groove across a portion of an outer side surface. The balancing device includes a smooth surface portion across a portion of the inner side wall and the removable washing compartment includes a complimentary smooth surface portion across a portion of an outer side surface. When the removable washing compartment is mounted in the washing machine, the smooth surface portion on the inner side wall aligns with the smooth surface portion on the outer surface of the removable washing compartment and the at least one convex protrusion nests with the at least one concave groove such that the surface of the convex protrusion contacts the surface of the concave groove.