Washing Machine Clutch Positioning With a Leaf Spring Yoke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines lack a modular and efficient mechanism to independently control the movement of the agitator and wash basket between different operational modes, such as wash, rinse, and spin, which can lead to improper clutch engagement and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A clutch positioning assembly using a cam and yoke mechanism that allows the clutch to be rotated between engaged and disengaged positions, ensuring proper engagement and disengagement of the motor with the wash basket, and is provided as a modular unit for manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear actuators with complex linkages are used to position the clutch, then the clutch can be positioned between engaged and disengaged positions, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch positioning mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a cam member with cam surface, a follower member with follower surface, and a yoke member. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while simplifying the overall design compared to complex linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The follower member acts as an intermediary between the cam member and the clutch. The cam surface and follower surface work together to convert rotational motion into linear motion that positions the clutch, eliminating the need for complex multi-part linkages
2Reliability
If complex linkages with multiple parts are used for clutch movement, then the clutch can be positioned, but the manufacturing process requires collecting and assembling multiple parts rather than providing a modular unit
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member, follower member, and yoke member are merged into a single integrated clutch positioning assembly that can be manufactured as one modular unit. This eliminates the need to collect and assemble multiple separate parts during manufacturing while maintaining reliable clutch engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated clutch positioning assembly serves multiple functions: the cam member converts rotational motion to linear motion, the follower member transfers this motion, and the yoke member positions the clutch. This multi-functional design simplifies manufacturing while ensuring reliable engagement
3Reliability
If the clutch positioning mechanism is not modular, then complex linkages can be assembled, but the manufacturing process becomes less efficient and more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch positioning assembly is pre-configured as an integrated modular unit during manufacturing, with all components (cam member, follower member, yoke member) permanently attached. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for complex assembly operations and improves manufacturing productivity while ensuring reliable clutch disengagement
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
Enables precise control of the agitator and wash basket movement during various cycles, preventing damage and improving the operational efficiency of the washing machine by ensuring proper clutch engagement and disengagement, thus enhancing the appliance's ability to shift between modes effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A leaf spring, configured as a yoke in one exemplary embodiment, provides a force to urge the clutch into a position that e.g., disengages the wash basket from the motor
Implementation Method 2
The assembly uses a cam that can be rotated so as to position the clutch between different positions that provide for engaging or disengaging a motor from a wash basket
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch positioning assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided. The assembly uses a cam that can be rotated so as to position the clutch between different positions that provide for engaging or disengaging a motor from a wash basket. A leaf spring, configured as a yoke in one exemplary embodiment, provides a force to urge the clutch into a position that e.g., disengages the wash basket from the motor during e.g., wash modes while also allowing the clutch to be moved into a position that engages the wash basket with the motor during spin modes. The clutch positioning assembly can be provided as a modular unit that is connected with the appliance during manufacturing.