A washer/dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washers/dryers are prone to damage during transportation and usage due to forces from impacts and falls, which existing reinforcement methods fail to adequately resist, leading to deformations.
Innovation Solution
A washer/dryer design featuring a bracket between side walls with a flange extending from the upper panel, incorporating a support member with an absorber made from a material with absorbing features, and a receptacle with a housing that provides additional strength and reduces vibration transfer to the upper table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing reinforcement methods (such as reinforcing embossings or metal rods) are used to prevent damage during transportation and usage, then the structural strength is improved, but the vibrations generated during operation are transferred to the upper table causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an absorber as an intermediary element between the support member and the upper table. This absorber, made of foam or rubber material, mediates the interaction by absorbing vibrations while maintaining structural support, thus preventing vibration transfer to the upper table while preserving structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is constructed as a composite structure combining a rigid housing (for structural strength) with an absorber made of foam or rubber material (for vibration absorption). This composite design allows the same component to simultaneously provide both structural support and vibration damping functions
2Strength
If the upper table is reinforced to resist impact forces during transportation and usage, then the resistance to deformation is improved, but the complexity of the support structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a rigid housing providing structural support and a separate absorber component providing vibration damping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design and assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The absorber is made from flexible foam or rubber material that can deform to absorb vibrations and impacts. This flexible material provides effective protection against deformation during transportation while maintaining a simple and compact support structure design
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 design enhances the structural integrity of the upper table and minimizes vibration transfer, effectively reducing the risk of damage during transportation and usage by providing additional resistance and absorbing forces.
Implementation Method 1
at least one absorber (9) which is produced from a material having absorbing feature, and by means of the absorber, the vibrations generated during operation are prevented from being transferred to the upper table
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washer/dryer (1) that comprises at least two side walls (2) covering the volume from sides wherein the drum, in which the laundry is emplaced, and other machine elements are located, a front wall (3) mounted onto the side walls (2) and covering the said volume from front up to a certain height, a bracket (4) hung between the side walls (2) from a point near the upper edge of the side walls (2), and a panel (5) which is mounted to the bracket (4), which covers the space remaining above the front wall (3) from front, and whereon elements such as buttons, display, detergent dispenser are disposed.