Top-loading washing machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing top-loading washing machines face reliability issues with door flap closure mechanisms, particularly at high spinning speeds, due to the limitations of traditional hook-and-slot systems, complex latch systems, and the need for user effort in closing the door, which compromises safety and mechanical strength.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with movable hook-shaped portions defined by notched hollow cylindrical bars is interposed between the door flaps, engaging with matching slots on the other flap, eliminating the need for springs and enhancing mechanical strength and user effort, while being simple and light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hook-shaped catches and slots are used for door flap closure, then the structure is simple, but the reliability is insufficient at high spinning speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into multiple independent hook-shaped portions (at least two) that can engage with corresponding slots on the other door flap. This segmentation allows the locking force to be distributed across multiple engagement points, enhancing reliability at high spinning speeds while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow cylindrical bar is designed to be rotatable within its mounting hole, allowing the hook-shaped portions to dynamically adjust their engagement with the slots. This rotational capability enables the locking mechanism to accommodate slight misalignments and maintain reliable engagement under varying operational conditions, particularly during high-speed spinning.
2Reliability
If complex latch systems with springs are used, then the locking action is ensured, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely eliminates springs and other elastic elements from the latching system. The locking action is achieved purely through the geometric shape of the hook-shaped portions and their engagement with the slots, combined with the rotational capability of the hollow cylindrical bar. This extraction of elastic components significantly reduces the weight and complexity of the latching system while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the rotational movement of the hollow cylindrical bar. The user simply needs to rotate the bar to engage or disengage the hooks from the slots, without requiring any additional spring-loaded components or complex actuating mechanisms. The system serves itself through pure mechanical engagement.
3Strength
If sliding latch elements with multiple openings are used, then the coupling strength increases, but the device complexity and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow cylindrical bar can rotate freely within its mounting hole to allow the hook-shaped portions to engage with the slots. This simple rotational degree of freedom provides the necessary coupling strength without requiring complex sliding mechanisms or multiple openings, making the door closing operation effortless for the user.
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 solution provides a reliable and efficient door closure mechanism that withstands high forces during high-speed spinning without requiring user effort, improving safety and reducing the complexity and weight of the latching system.
Implementation Method 1
a hollow cylindrical bar which is rotatably mounted in a hollow seat of one of the door flaps
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A top-loading washing machine comprises a tub in which a drum (10) is rotatably mounted and having a peripheral wall with an opening for loading and unloading the laundry, said opening being provided with at least one door flap (12, 14) hingedly mounted on an edge of said opening. Between the flap and the edge of the opening or between edges of two flaps it is comprised a latching device having on one side a plurality of rotating hook-shaped portions (20b) and on the other side a plurality of engageable portions (16, 16a).