Single-Action Agitation Element with Angled Fins for Enhanced Turnover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-action agitation elements in washing machines lack effective turnover capability and cause wear on articles due to interaction with vertical ribs, necessitating more complex and expensive dual-action elements for enhanced performance.
Innovation Solution
A single-action agitation element with a shaft and angled fins that extend outwardly from the shaft, where one fin is angled greater than zero and the other less than zero relative to a reference plane, facilitating downward motion and reduced wear through a specific geometric configuration that enhances turnover without the need for additional complexity or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-action agitation elements with vertical ribs are used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the turnover capability is poor and wear on articles occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring fins at different angles relative to the reference plane. The first fin has a positive angle while the second fin has a negative angle, creating an asymmetric arrangement that generates differential forces on the articles. This asymmetric fin configuration enables the single-action agitation element to achieve improved turnover capability by creating unequal pressure distributions that actively push articles downward, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and effective turnover performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the agitation element by specifying that fins extend at angles greater than zero and less than zero relative to the reference plane. This parameter modification transforms the fin configuration from a conventional symmetric arrangement to an optimized asymmetric arrangement, enabling the single-action element to generate sufficient downward force on articles without requiring complex dual-action mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If vertical ribs are used in agitation elements, then manufacturing is simple, but wear on articles increases due to contact with rib edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the conventional sharp-edged vertical ribs with curved fin surfaces that extend outwardly from the shaft. The fins have smooth, continuous surfaces without sharp edges, which eliminates the concentrated stress points that cause article wear. This curved surface configuration maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly reducing harmful wear effects on washed articles.
3Reliability
If dual-action agitation elements with augers are used, then turnover capability is enhanced, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the agitation element into distinct functional components: a central shaft and multiple fins extending outwardly at different angles. This segmented structure allows each fin to perform a specific function in the turnover process, with the asymmetrically angled fins working together to create effective downward motion. This segmented approach achieves dual-action-like turnover performance while maintaining the structural simplicity of a single-action element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect by configuring fins to extend at angles in the radial direction relative to the shaft, rather than only vertically. The fins extend outwardly from the shaft at angles greater than and less than zero, adding a radial dimension to the agitation mechanism. This dimensional change enables the single-action element to generate complex three-dimensional flow patterns and effective turnover without requiring the mechanical complexity of dual-action augers.
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
The described agitation element effectively increases turnover capability while reducing wear on articles, providing a more efficient and cost-effective solution compared to dual-action elements by utilizing a geometric design that enhances downward motion and cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The surface of the basket and gravity are used in conjunction with these single-action agitation elements to impart a circular motion of the articles
Data Source
AI summary
A single action agitation element for a washing machine appliance is provided. The agitation element includes a shaft, a first fin, and a second fin. The first fin and second fin each extend outwardly from the shaft and around the shaft. The first fin extends generally in a first fin plane defining an angle greater than zero with a reference plane of the shaft. By contrast, the second fin extends generally in a second fin plane defining an angle less than zero with the reference plane of the shaft. Such a configuration may more efficiently move clothes or other articles within a wash basket of the washing machine appliance downwardly along a vertical direction during certain washing machine operations.