Washing Machine Door Assembly for Automatic Ventilation Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type washing machines maintain a closed front door when not in use, leading to a humid environment that fosters bacterial and mold growth, and require manual intervention for ventilation, which can interfere with surrounding objects and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A drum type washing machine equipped with a supporting unit that maintains the front door at a predetermined distance from the entrance opening, utilizing a door latch assembly and elastic members to automatically ventilate the interior space without manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the front door is kept closed when not in use, then the exterior aesthetics and surrounding space are preserved, but the interior space becomes highly humid and bacteria propagate
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting unit enables the front door to automatically maintain a predetermined distance from the body without user intervention. The door self-regulates its position to prevent contact with surrounding objects while maintaining ventilation, eliminating the need for manual operation to prevent bacterial growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting unit allows the front door to dynamically adjust its position, maintaining a predetermined distance from the body. This dynamic positioning enables automatic ventilation when not in use while preventing interference with surrounding objects, resolving the contradiction between保持 closed and preventing bacterial propagation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the front door is kept opened to prevent bacteria, then bacterial propagation is prevented, but the front door interferes with surrounding objects and deteriorates exterior aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting unit acts as an intermediary between the front door and the body, maintaining a predetermined distance between them. This intermediary structure enables the door to stay open enough for ventilation while preventing direct contact with surrounding objects, thus preventing bacterial growth without causing interference or aesthetic deterioration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the front door is manually opened for ventilation, then bacterial propagation is prevented, but user convenience is reduced and surrounding objects may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting unit enables the front door to automatically maintain a predetermined distance from the body without user intervention. The door self-regulates its position to prevent contact with surrounding objects while maintaining ventilation, eliminating the need for manual operation to prevent bacterial growth.
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 bacterial propagation, maintains cleanliness, and enhances user convenience by automatically ventilating the machine without interfering with surrounding objects or compromising aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a door elastic member provided in the hinge coupling part, having one end coupled to the hinge rod and the other end coupled to the body
Data Source
AI summary
A drum type washing machine including a body having a front surface thereof with an entrance opening for entrance/exit of laundry, and a front door rotatably coupled at one end thereof to the front surface of the body and serving to open or close the entrance opening. The drum type washing machine further including a door elastic member providing the front door with an elastic force required to open the entrance opening when the entrance opening is closed by the front door. A supporting unit is installed to the front door and is adapted to come into contact with the body upon opening or closing of the entrance opening, thereby serving to keep the front door at a predetermined distance from the body.