Top-Load Washer Lid Handle Structure for Easy Grip and Clean Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines lack a secure and convenient lid assembly that provides stability and aesthetic appeal, often requiring additional handles or grooves that can collect dirt and dust.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly for top load washing machines featuring a handle protruding forward with spaced areas between the handle and top cover, allowing easy grip and lift, and incorporating a decoration panel that covers gaps between lid frames for aesthetic purposes, eliminating the need for external handles or grooves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional handles or grooves are added to the lid assembly for ease of operation, then the lid can be opened and closed more easily, but the structure becomes more complex and dirt/dust can accumulate in the grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handle function with the lid frame structure itself. The front lid frame is designed to extend forward and form an integrated handle portion, eliminating the need for separate handles or grooves. This integration maintains ease of operation while simplifying the overall structure and preventing dirt accumulation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lid assembly structure is simplified by removing external handles, then manufacturing becomes easier and dirt accumulation is prevented, but the ease of gripping and lifting the lid may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The handle function is merged into the lid frame structure. The front lid frame extends forward to form an integrated handle portion that provides gripping functionality without requiring separate components, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the frontward extension in the horizontal dimension to create the handle portion. By extending the front lid frame forward rather than adding vertical or depth components, the design achieves ergonomic gripping surfaces while maintaining structural simplicity and manufacturability.
3Ease of manufacture
If gaps between lid frames are left open for structural simplicity, then manufacturing is easier, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The decoration panel serves a dual function: it fills the gaps between lid frames to improve aesthetic appearance, and simultaneously acts as a structural component that connects the upper and lower lid frames. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional aesthetic components while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoration panel merges aesthetic coverage with structural connection functions. It fills the gaps between lid frames for visual completeness while also serving as a connecting element between upper and lower frames, thus improving appearance without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
4Ease of operation
If the handle protrudes forward beyond the top cover, then user access and grip are improved, but the risk of hand injury from sharp edges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the handle portion and surrounding areas. The front lid frame and decoration panel are designed with curved surfaces that eliminate sharp edges and corners, providing ergonomic gripping surfaces while protecting users from injury. The curved design maintains forward protrusion for accessibility while removing harmful sharp features.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine comprising a cabinet, a top cover arranged at an upper surface of the cabinet and has a laundry entrance hole, wherein the upper surface of the cabinet opens, and a lid assembly arranged at the top cover and opens/closes the laundry entrance hole is provided. A handle is provided at a front side of the lid assembly. The handle protrudes forwards more than the top cover, wherein the handle and the top cover are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in upper and lower directions and in front and rear directions, thereby defining spaces between the handle and the top cover so a user's hand is inserted into the spaces to hold the handle and lifts the lid assembly.