Washer Clutch Mounting Structure for Stable High-Capacity Drum Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the capacity of washing machines increases, the centrifugal force generated during drum rotation also increases, posing a challenge for the structural support of the clutch, which is not adequately reinforced in existing designs, leading to potential instability and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a reinforced structure with a first flange unit on the tub and a second flange unit on the mounting plate, connected via a drive shaft, to securely transmit the driving force from the motor to the drum and pulsator, enhancing the structural support and reducing noise by stabilizing the clutch and drum rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the washing machine capacity is increased, then the washing performance is improved, but the centrifugal force increases and the clutch support structure becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple components: the tub, first flange unit, second flange unit, and mounting plate. This segmentation allows each component to bear specific portions of the centrifugal force, distributing the load and preventing structural failure while maintaining large washing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure employs a composite design combining the tub (first flange unit) and mounting plate (second flange unit) as integrated components. This composite structure provides enhanced strength and rigidity to withstand the increased centrifugal forces generated by larger capacity drums
2Strength
If the clutch support structure is reinforced, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate integrates multiple functions: it serves as the clutch support structure, the connection interface between tub and clutch, and the mounting base for the clutch assembly. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, reinforcing the structure without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second flange units are designed as multi-functional elements that simultaneously provide structural reinforcement, rotational support, and precise positioning features. The flange units serve both as load-bearing structures and as alignment features with insertion holes, reducing the need for additional positioning components
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 reinforced structure effectively supports the clutch, ensuring stable drum rotation, reducing noise caused by eccentric rotation, and improving assembly characteristics by providing a concentric assembly position for the mounting plate and tub components.
Implementation Method 1
as the capacity of the washing machine increases, the diameters and heights of the tub and the drum increase and thus centrifugal force generated due to rotation of the drum increases
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine which is improved so as to firmly support a clutch. The washing machine includes a main body, a tub disposed within the main body, a drum rotatably disposed within the tub, a motor provided under the tub to provide driving force to rotate the drum, a clutch connected to the motor to transmit driving force of the motor to the drum, and a mounting plate to fix the clutch and the motor to connect the clutch and the motor to the lower surface of the tub. A first flange unit connected to the clutch is provided on the lower surface of the tub, and a second flange unit connected to the outer circumferential surface of the first flange unit is provided on the mounting plate.