Combination Transmission Selector and Speed Sensor Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require separate components for transmission selection and speed sensing, which can be complex and costly, and lack efficient monitoring of wash basket rotation speed for safety and performance.
Innovation Solution
A combination module integrating a transmission selector mechanism and a speed sensor mechanism with a single electrical connector, allowing for selective operation of transmission shift structures and sensing of wash basket speed, reducing the need for multiple parts and enhancing monitoring capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components are used for transmission selection and speed sensing, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission selector mechanism and speed sensor mechanism into a single integrated module. The transmission selector arm and speed sensor share a common mounting structure and electrical connector, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to independently optimize each function through modular design elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple functions simultaneously: the transmission selector mechanism selectively operates transmission shift structure between different states, while the speed sensor mechanism monitors the rotational speed of the wash basket. Both functions are accomplished through a single module that interfaces with the appliance's control circuitry through one electrical connector.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used, then each component can be manufactured independently, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the transmission selector and speed sensor into a single manufacturable module with a common housing and shared electrical connector. This reduces assembly complexity by eliminating the need to separately install and wire multiple independent components, while still allowing for independent optimization of each subsystem during the design phase.
3Ease of repair
If separate components are used for transmission selection and speed sensing, then component failure can be isolated, but the overall system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
While integrating the components into a single module, the patent maintains functional segmentation between the transmission selector mechanism and speed sensor mechanism. Each mechanism retains its own operational independence, allowing for logical fault isolation through the control circuitry while benefiting from the simplified physical integration and reduced component count.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination module for an appliance includes a transmission selector mechanism adapted to selectively operate transmission shift structure of the appliance, and a speed sensor mechanism adapted to sense the operative speed of a motive element of the appliance. In one example, the combination module further includes a single electrical connector adapted to electrically couple the transmission selector mechanism and the speed sensor mechanism to control circuitry of the appliance.