Washing Machine Cover Drive Layout for Worktable Space Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machine designs face challenges in efficiently arranging the worktable space due to the placement of the driving motor, which occupies valuable space and hinders the arrangement of other components like the detergent dispenser.

Innovation Solution

The washing machine incorporates a driving motor positioned at the corner of the worktable with an upwardly extending ear, allowing the motor to be recessed and reducing its footprint, along with a one-way bearing mechanism for smooth and safe operation of the electric door, enabling improved automation and user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the driving motor is mounted close to the center of the worktable, then the electric door opening function is achieved, but the arrangement efficiency of other electric devices in the worktable is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric door opening functionVSAvoidworktable space arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The driving motor is extracted from the central worktable area and relocated to the corner position. The motor portion is disposed at the corner of the worktable, with the reducer portion extending upwardly beyond the work surface, thereby removing the space occupation conflict in the central worktable area and enabling better arrangement of other electric devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor arrangement transitions from a two-dimensional planar layout to a three-dimensional configuration. The motor portion is positioned at the corner while the reducer portion extends vertically upward beyond the work surface, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the horizontal space conflict and improve worktable space arrangement efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Extent of automation

If the driving motor is disposed at the center of the worktable, then the electric door opening function is achieved, but the occupied space of the driving motor hinders the arrangement of other components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric door opening functionVSAvoiddriving motor space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The driving motor is extracted from the central worktable area and relocated to the corner position. The motor portion is disposed at the corner of the worktable, with the reducer portion extending upwardly beyond the work surface, thereby removing the space occupation conflict in the central worktable area and enabling better arrangement of other electric devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving motor is segmented into two distinct portions: the motor portion disposed at the corner of the worktable and the reducer portion extending upwardly beyond the work surface. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimally positioned, reducing overall space occupation and facilitating better component arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3128066B1Washing machine
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 WUXI LITTLE SWAN ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3128066B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3128066B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3128066B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A washing machine (100) includes: a cabinet (10) having a worktable (13), the worktable (13) defining a port (11) for putting into and taking out of laundry and having a work surface (14); a cover (20) disposed on a top of the cabinet (10), having a cover frame (21) with a cover frame edge, and configured to be pivotable about the cover frame edge for covering the port; and a driving assembly (50) including a driving motor (30) having a motor portion (33) and a reducer portion (32), the driving motor (30) being configured to drive the cover (20) to pivot about the cover frame edge. The worktable (13) defines a receiving space in at least one corner thereof for receiving the driving motor (30), the reducer portion of the driving motor (30) has an upwardly-extending ear (31) adapted to protrude from the work surface (14) of the worktable (13).