Washing Machine Door Positioning for Drum Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines often retain moisture and humidity, leading to unpleasant odors and hygiene issues due to incomplete drying of the drum, especially when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A door positioning unit that maintains a predetermined gap between the door and the cabinet, utilizing a supporting member with a magnet and elastic components to prevent complete closure, ensuring air permeability and facilitating moisture evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the door is completely closed using a latch to seal the washing machine, then the sealing performance is improved, but the ventilation and moisture elimination capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door positioning unit enables the door to dynamically switch between two states: completely closed (latched) for sealing during operation, and partially open (positioned at predetermined angle) for ventilation during idle periods. This dynamic positioning capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for sealing when needed and for moisture elimination when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the door's angular position parameter from a fixed closed state to a variable state with at least two positions: fully closed (0 degrees) and partially open (predetermined angle). This parameter change allows the system to balance sealing requirements with ventilation needs, eliminating moisture accumulation while maintaining operational sealing integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the door is kept open to enhance ventilation, then the moisture elimination is improved, but the sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door positioning unit provides dynamic control, allowing the door to be positioned at a predetermined angle during idle periods to maximize ventilation and moisture elimination. When operational sealing is required, the latch mechanism engages to achieve complete closure. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between ventilation and sealing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary ventilation action during idle periods by positioning the door open at a predetermined angle, eliminating moisture before the next washing cycle begins. This preliminary moisture elimination ensures that when the door is subsequently closed for operation, no harmful moisture accumulation occurs, thus maintaining both ventilation benefits and sealing integrity.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is used to secure the door, then the door closure reliability is improved, but the ability to maintain predetermined open positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door positioning system is segmented into two independent functional components: a latch mechanism for secure closure and a door positioning unit for angular control. The positioning unit includes a supporting member with a magnet that can be selectively engaged with a receiving part on the cabinet, creating discrete positioned states. This segmentation allows each component to specialize: the latch provides reliable closure while the positioning unit provides angular flexibility, resolving the contradiction between closure reliability and position adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The door positioning unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the door and the cabinet. It includes a supporting member with a magnet that mediates the interaction between the door assembly and the cabinet body, enabling predetermined angular positioning through magnetic engagement. This intermediary structure allows the door to maintain flexible positioned states while the latch mechanism independently ensures reliable closure when engaged, resolving the contradiction between position flexibility and closure reliability.
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
Prevents unpleasant odors and ensures complete drying of the washing machine by maintaining air permeability and allowing remaining moisture to evaporate when the machine is not in operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet provided in the supporting member for keeping the door in contact with the cabinet
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member forcing the supporting member to project
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry machine (1) including a cabinet (10) having an opening (10a) for loading and/or unloading laundry, a door (300) selectively opening and/or closing the opening of the cabinet (10), and a door positioning unit (A) for positioning the door (300) away from the cabinet (10).