Washing Machine Lid Drive Layout for Worktop Space Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine designs face challenges in effectively arranging the worktable space due to the large footprint of the driving motor, which occupies space needed for other components like the detergent dispenser.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a driving motor positioned at the corner of the worktable, utilizing a one-way bearing to pivot the cover, allowing for efficient space utilization and improved automation of the electric door mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 motor occupies a lot of space of the worktable, affecting the arrangement of other electric devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the driving motor from the central worktable area to the corner of the worktable, utilizing the vertical space above the worktable corner. This dimensional relocation allows the motor to be positioned in the corner sidewall area, effectively freeing up the central worktable space for other components while maintaining the automated door opening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the motor assembly into separate functional components: the driving motor is positioned in the corner sidewall, the one-way bearing is mounted on the cover frame, and the connection elements link these components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned in different spatial zones, resolving the space conflict between the motor and other worktable components.
2Area of stationary object
If the driving motor is positioned at the corner of the worktable, then space arrangement is improved, but the motor needs additional connection mechanisms to the cover frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a one-way bearing as an intermediary component mounted on the cover frame, which receives the driving force from the motor through a connection element. This intermediary mechanism efficiently transmits the driving force from the corner-positioned motor to the cover frame while maintaining structural simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the motor from the traditional central position and relocates it to the corner, separating the motor mounting function from the main worktable area. This extraction allows the motor to be positioned in the corner sidewall without interfering with the arrangement of other electric devices on the worktable.
Data Source
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AI summary
Washing machine including a cabinet (10) having a worktop (13) defining a port (11) for putting into and taking out laundry, a lid (20) disposed on a top of the cabinet (10) and having a lid frame (21), the lid frame (21) having a lid frame edge working as a pivotable shaft for the lid (20) and a lid driving assembly (50) including a driving motor (30), configured to let the lid (20) pivot about the edge of the lid frame (21), whereby the worktop (13) defines a receiving space in at least one corner thereof for receiving the driving motor (30), said worktop (13) further comprises a corner sidewall adjacent to the lid frame (21), whereby a left side or a right side of the driving motor (30) is adapted to abut against said corner sidewall of said worktop (13).