Tilted Drum Washer with Pulsator Braking for Low-Water Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type washing machines face challenges in easy laundry introduction and removal, limited washing performance, and high water consumption due to their horizontal drum design, which restricts user convenience and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A tilted drum type washing machine with a sloped tub and a pulsator system that includes a braking mechanism for controlling the pulsator's rotation, enhancing laundry movement and water circulation, along with auto-balancers and a dedicated drying system for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a horizontal drum design is used, then the washing machine structure is simple, but laundry introduction and removal become inconvenient requiring user to squat or bend
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is tilted at an angle of 10-30 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, creating an asymmetric configuration that allows laundry to be easily introduced and removed from the upper end of the drum while maintaining a compact overall structure
2Reliability
If only drum rotation is used for washing, then the device complexity is low, but washing performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsator is integrated within the drum structure, combining two washing actions (drum rotation and pulsator reciprocating motion) into a single unified washing mechanism that enhances washing performance through multiple motion patterns without requiring separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The pulsator is designed to perform reciprocating motion (moving back and forth) in addition to rotation, creating dynamic varied motion patterns that improve washing effectiveness by differentially moving laundry items through various trajectories and forces
3Reliability
If a pulsator system with braking mechanism is added, then washing performance is enhanced through active laundry movement, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking mechanism utilizes the drum's own rotational motion to automatically drive the pulsator, eliminating the need for separate motors or complex control systems. The pulsator is braked when the drum rotates in one direction and moves freely when the drum rotates in the other direction, using the drum's motion itself to control pulsator operation
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 tilted design facilitates easy laundry handling, enhances washing performance through active laundry movement, reduces water consumption, and improves drying efficiency by ensuring deep penetration of hot air, while minimizing system vibrations and unnecessary heating.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor 4 rotates by electromagnetic interaction with the stator 5, to transmit rotation force thereof to the drum 3 through the rotor shaft 6
Implementation Method 2
a tub 2 suspended with dampers and springs in a cabinet 1, a cylindrical drum 3 rotatably mounted in the tub 2
Implementation Method 3
the washing made by an impact of drop of the laundry lifted by a lifter 3a as the drum 3 rotates
Implementation Method 4
at least one bearing for supporting the hollow drum shaft
Implementation Method 5
a braking device including a solenoid secured to the tub, a plunger moving back and forth in the solenoid, so that the plunger brakes or releases the pulley depending on electric turn on/off of the solenoid
Data Source
AI summary
The drum type washing machine includes a tub of plastic having a wall portion for holding washing water and securing a driving unit thereto, and a front side sloped upward at a predetermined angle from ground, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub, a hollow drum shaft passed through the tub, and connected to the drum inside of the tub for transmission of driving power from a motor to the drum, at least one bearing for supporting the hollow drum shaft, a stator fixedly secured to the rear wall portion of the tub, a rotor connected to a rear end of the drum shaft to constitute a motor together with the stator, a pulsator rotatably mounted in the drum, a pulsator shaft mounted to pass through the hollow of the drum shaft, having a fore end connected to the pulsator, and pulsator control means for braking/releasing rotation the pulsator.