Top-Loading Washing Machine Drum Door with Automatic Flap Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing top-loading washing machines face challenges with the strength and reliability of the drum door assembly, particularly at high spinning speeds, and require significant space for automatic opening mechanisms, which compromises the overall capacity and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The drum door features a rotating flap with cam surfaces and a linear actuator, allowing for automatic opening and closing without manual intervention, ensuring high mechanical reliability and structural continuity, while minimizing space usage with a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a complex mechanical locking system is used to block the door in the closed configuration, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into a sliding door portion and a rotating flap portion, each performing specific functions. The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete engaging portions rather than a complex continuous structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating flap is nested within the door assembly structure, with the flap rotating within the confines of the drum opening. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be integrated compactly without requiring additional external space or complex external linkages
2Extent of automation
If electromagnets with plungers are used for catching means, then the automatic opening function is achieved, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic plungers with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam surface converts rotational motion into the necessary linear and rotational movement of the flap, eliminating the need for bulky electromagnets and their associated plungers
Solution Approach 2:
The catching means utilizes the radial dimension of the drum by positioning the cam surface on a rotating member that engages the flap from the radial direction. This dimensional approach allows compact integration within the existing drum-tub structure without requiring additional axial or tangential space
3Ease of manufacture
If the drum door assembly is designed to be lightweight and easy to manufacture, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the strength to resist high spinning forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the door assembly, including the thickness and curvature of the sliding door and rotating flap. These parameter adjustments allow the use of lighter gauge materials while maintaining structural integrity through optimized stress distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly utilizes composite construction with the sliding door and rotating flap formed from different material compositions or thicknesses optimized for their specific functions. The engaging portions may use reinforced materials or geometric reinforcement to maintain strength while keeping overall weight low
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A top-loading washing machine comprises a tub, a perforated drum rotatably mounted within said tub about a horizontal axis and having an aperture on its cylindrical side, a drum door slidably supported by the drum for opening and closing said aperture following a predetermined rotation of the drum, catching means supported by the tub and configured to selectively engage said sliding door for opening and closing thereof. The drum comprises a flap hinged to an edge of said aperture of the drum and having first engaging portions configured to cooperate with second engaging portions of the sliding part, said catching means being also configured to cooperate with said flap in order to free it from the sliding part.