Solenoid Valve Assembly Layout for Low-Cost Washer Water Inlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solenoid valve assemblies for washing machines are complex and costly to manufacture due to their one-piece plastic injection molding, making them difficult to assemble and maintain.
Innovation Solution
The solenoid valve assembly is composed of two standard, separately produced solenoid valves with orthogonal control windings and parallel terminals, which are easily assembled using standard tooling and interconnected with a side-by-side arrangement and stabilizing brackets, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a one-piece plastic injection molding is used for the solenoid valve assembly, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve assembly is divided into separate components: individual solenoid valves (first and second solenoid valves) that are manufactured independently using standard tooling, and a connecting structure that joins them together. This segmentation allows each component to be produced with simpler, more cost-effective processes while maintaining overall structural integrity through the connecting structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a one-piece plastic injection molding is used for the solenoid valve assembly, then the structural integrity is improved, but the assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valves are pre-assembled with their respective connecting structures before final assembly. The connecting structure is designed with pre-positioned features that guide the solenoid valves into their correct positions and orientations, enabling rapid assembly without complex alignment procedures during the final assembly step.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard solenoid valves with orthogonal windings are used, then the adaptability and availability of components are improved, but the electrical connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure serves as an intermediary that integrates the electrical connections between the solenoid valves and the external wiring harness. It incorporates terminal blocks or connection points that consolidate multiple electrical connections into a single interface, simplifying the wiring process while accommodating the orthogonal winding arrangements of standard solenoid valves.
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 configuration allows for a reliable, quick, and cost-effective assembly of solenoid valve assemblies for controlling hot and cold water supply, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid valves with a respective control winding extending from said body
Data Source
AI summary
The solenoid valve assembly (1) comprises first and second shut-off solenoid valves (2; 3) for controlling the supply of hot water and cold water, and which have a body (2a; 3 a) with an inlet duct (2b; 3b) and at least one outlet port (2d; 3d, 3e), and with at least one control winding (2f; 3f, 3g) that extends from the body (2a; 3a) orthogonally to the respective inlet duct (2b; 3b) and is provided with electrical connection terminals (2h; 3h, 3i) which are parallel with one another. These solenoid valves (2, 3) are arranged with their respective bodies (2a; 3a) interconnected in a side-by-side arrangement, with the inlet ducts (2b; 3b) parallel with one another and with their respective windings (2f; 3f, 3g) also parallel with one another. The assembly (1) further comprises a connecting structure (12) with an electrically insulating plate-like body (13) carrying a plurality of electrical conductors (14) coupled to an electrical connector portion (15) integrally formed with the connecting structure (12). The terminals of the windings (2f; 3f, 3g) are connected to the conductors (14) of the connecting structure (12).