Washing Machine Door Rotation Coupling for Fast Assembly Service

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing door assembling structure of washing machines is complex, leading to reduced productivity and requiring manual screw fastening, making after-sales service difficult and requiring whole door replacement.

Innovation Solution

A rotation-type coupling method is introduced for the door assembly, using fastening protrusions and holes with guide parts and a fixing part, allowing the first door member to rotate and be easily assembled with the second door member, enhancing ease of assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screw coupling is used to assemble the door, then the door structure is secure, but the assembly process becomes complex and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor assembly securityVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The door assembly is divided into separate components (door glass, glass holder, door cover) that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled using the rotation-type coupling mechanism, eliminating the need for complex screw fastening processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using threads that require rotational fastening and tightening, the invention uses a rotation-type coupling where the coupling boss rotates to lock the coupling hole, inverting the traditional screw mechanism to achieve both security and speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If screw coupling is used to assemble the door, then the connection is strong, but manual fastening is required and productivity is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation-type coupling mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking, where the coupling boss automatically engages with the coupling hole through rotation, eliminating the need for manual screw fastening operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If hook assembly is used for the glass holder and door cover, then assembly is simple, but disassembly is inevitable and whole door replacement is required for after-sales service

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidafter-sales service ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection, where the coupling boss can rotate to lock and unlock the coupling hole, enabling easy disassembly and reassembly for after-sales service without requiring whole door replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9487901B2Washing machine

Publication Date: 2016.11.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A washing machine in which a touch panel is placed at a door so that an exterior of the washing machine can be improved, the washing machine including: a body in which an opening is formed; and a door disposed to open and close the opening, wherein the door includes: a first door member that constitutes a front side of the door; and a second door member that is combined with the first door member and constitutes a rear side of the door, and wherein the first door member and the second door member are combined with each other so that the first door member is capable of being rotated relative to the second door member.