Washing Machine Tank Bottom With External Cap Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing machine tanks face challenges in structural rigidity, production costs, and turbulence issues due to external stiffening ribs and 'omega' profiles, requiring multiple models with specific mechanical resistance and leading to biofilm formation and noise.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine tank with a smooth bottom wall and an external reinforcing cap providing a box-shaped structure, eliminating traditional ribs and inward protrusions, which uses a circular cap with spokes to enhance mechanical resistance and reduce production complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If external stiffening ribs are provided on the bottom wall, then mechanical resistance is improved, but production cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall is segmented into a smooth base structure and a separate reinforcing cap with radial ribs. This segmentation allows the tank body to be produced with a simple smooth bottom, while the reinforcing cap is produced separately and attached to provide the necessary mechanical resistance. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the structural reinforcement function from the main tank body production.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing ribs are extracted from the main tank body and placed in a separate cap component. This extraction eliminates the need for complex internal rib structures within the tank mold, simplifying the main tank production while still providing the required reinforcement through the externally attached cap.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tank models with different rigidity are produced, then adaptability to different rotation speeds is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal tank model with a smooth bottom wall is designed to work with multiple cap variants. The tank body remains standardized, while different reinforcing caps with varying rib configurations are attached based on the specific rotation speed requirements. This universality allows one tank design to serve multiple applications, reducing production complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adaptation by selecting different cap configurations for different operating conditions (rotation speeds). Rather than producing multiple fixed tank models, the solution enables the same tank to be adapted to different performance requirements through interchangeable caps, providing flexibility without multiplying the base production complexity.
3Strength
If inward protruding sections are provided in the bottom wall, then mechanical resistance is improved, but biofilm formation and turbulence increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing inward protruding sections to achieve mechanical resistance, the invention inverts the approach by providing outward protruding ribs on an external cap. This inversion maintains the necessary structural reinforcement while preserving a smooth internal bottom surface that prevents water stagnation and biofilm formation, eliminating the harmful effects associated with inward protrusions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine tank(l), of the type provided with a basically cylindrical structure obtained by moulding plastic materials, designed to house a rotary metal drum, characterised in that it is provided with a smooth bottom wall (2) with central hole, against which a circular cap (3) is exactly engaged and permanently fixed with concavity facing the bottom wall, with a cylindrical nozzle in central position designed to be perfectly aligned with the central hole of the bottom wall.