Laundry washing machine with spiral variable length agitator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry washing machines have a fixed wash tub configuration that does not adapt to different types of loads, making it difficult to load and unload bulky items and reducing washing efficiency for certain types of loads.
Innovation Solution
A variable length agitator that can be configured in multiple lengths along its axis of rotation, using movable members and a bias mechanism to adjust its length, with locking mechanisms to secure the desired configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed agitator is used in the wash tub, then washing efficiency is improved for standard loads, but loading and unloading bulky items becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator is designed with telescoping segments that can extend and retract along the vertical axis, transforming from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic variable-length structure. This allows the agitator to adapt its length based on the washing needs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining washing efficiency and facilitating easy loading/unloading of bulky items.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of agitator length is made changeable through telescoping mechanisms. By varying the length parameter, the system can optimize for different washing scenarios: extended length for standard loads to maintain washing efficiency, and retracted length for bulky items to improve ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If a single configuration wash tub is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different load types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wash tub system incorporates a dynamic agitator with variable length capability, allowing the same physical device to adapt to different load types without requiring multiple wash tub configurations. This maintains device simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable length agitator enables a single wash tub to serve multiple functions: it can handle standard loads with the agitator extended for efficient washing, and bulky items with the agitator retracted to clear the loading path. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for different wash tub configurations.
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 variable length agitator enhances washing efficiency by accommodating different loads, improving load/unloadability, and optimizing tub volume for various laundry items.
Implementation Method 1
a bias mechanism configured to bias the variable length agitator towards the first configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry washing machine includes a variable length agitator that is configurable in multiple configurations that provide different lengths for the agitator along its axis of rotation. The variable length agitator includes at least first and second members that are moveable relative to one another both along and about the axis of rotation to vary the length of the variable length agitator along the axis of rotation.