Washing Machine Transit Bolt Hole Cap for Tub Transport Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drum type washing machines face issues with tub movement during transport, leading to potential damage and safety hazards due to open insert holes, which can cause injury or electronic component damage, and there is a risk of hole cap loss or failure to block the holes properly after installation.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a transit bolt and an elastically deformable hole cap that includes slits and a ribbed structure to secure the bolt in place, reducing friction and preventing hole cap loss, and an extended portion with a nub for secure attachment to the cabinet, made from EPDM rubber for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a coupling device with transit bolt is used to fix the tub to the cabinet during transport, then the tub stability is improved, but the complexity of the device increases and additional components (hole caps) are needed to prevent safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The hole cap is integrated with the coupling device structure, merging the function of blocking insert holes with the transit bolt coupling mechanism. The hole cap includes an extended portion that fits into a receiving groove on the cabinet, and a fixing protrusion that engages with a fixing hole, combining hole blocking and structural support functions into one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The hole cap serves multiple functions: it blocks the insert holes to prevent safety hazards and water damage, provides structural support as part of the coupling device, and prevents loss through engagement with the cabinet structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate hole caps and coupling components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hole caps are provided to block the insert holes after installation, then safety hazards are prevented, but the hole caps may be lost or forgotten to be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The hole cap automatically secures itself to the cabinet through gravity and structural engagement. The extended portion fits into the receiving groove, and the fixing protrusion engages with the fixing hole, creating a self-retaining structure that prevents loss without requiring additional fastening operations or user attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving groove and fixing hole act as intermediary structures that mechanically retain the hole cap. The groove receives the extended portion, and the fixing hole captures the fixing protrusion, creating a passive retention system that prevents hole cap loss through structural design rather than active monitoring or additional components.
3Reliability
If the hole cap is secured with a fixing hook and fixing hole, then the hole cap loss is prevented, but the fixing hook may separate from the fixing hole
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism uses a two-dimensional engagement system: the extended portion fits into the receiving groove (horizontal dimension), and the fixing protrusion engages with the fixing hole (vertical dimension). This multi-dimensional engagement provides redundant retention paths, ensuring that if one engagement fails, the other maintains the connection.
4Reliability
If the hole cap is made from EPDM rubber with elastic deformation, then durability and sealing are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hole cap is made from EPDM rubber, changing the material parameter from rigid to elastic. This allows the cap to be molded as a single piece with integrated features (extended portion, fixing protrusion, slits) and provides natural sealing properties. The elastic material can deform during installation and return to its original shape, ensuring consistent sealing without complex assembly steps.
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 effectively stabilizes the tub during transport, prevents injury and electronic damage, and ensures the hole cap remains securely attached, eliminating the need for separate hole cap management during transit and installation, with the elastic deformation blocking the insert hole after the bolt is released.
Implementation Method 1
a hole cap which is inserted in the insert hole and elastically deformable, the hole cap including a plurality of slits for the transit bolt to pass through them
Implementation Method 2
an elastically deformable hole cap that includes slits and a ribbed structure to secure the bolt in place, reducing friction
Data Source
AI summary
A drum type washing machine comprising a tub mounted in a cabinet and supported by a damper and a spring in the cabinet; a coupling boss protruding from a rear surface of the tub; a transit bolt configured to be coupled to the coupling boss through an insert hole formed at a rear surface of the cabinet to fix the tub to the cabinet when transporting the drum type washing machine; and an elastically deformable hole cap configured to be attached to the insert hole from an inside of the cabinet, the hole cap including a plurality of slits through which the transit bolt passes.