Washing Receptacle Lifter Structure to Cover Clinching Line Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment appliances face issues with laundry damage due to gaps between lifters and the joining line of the washing receptacle, as the clinching technique used to join metal layers results in an inwardly projecting surface, making it difficult to attach lifters and creating openings that can trap clothing items.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates lifters with intermediate cavities at their axial side surfaces to receive clinching line protrusions, and embossed fillings are used to ensure a tight fit, fully covering the clinching line and preventing openings that could expose clothing to damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the clinching method is used to join metal layers of the washing receptacle, then the joining strength is improved, but gaps are created between the lifters and the joining line that can trap laundry
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate cavity structure is introduced between the lifter and the clinching line protrusion. This cavity acts as a mediator that receives and accommodates the protrusion, eliminating gaps while preserving the clinching join. The cavity creates a recessed receiving space that allows the protrusion to fit within, preventing laundry from being trapped in gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional surface contact problem to a three-dimensional volumetric fit. By creating an intermediate cavity with depth, the design transforms the gap-closing mechanism from simple surface contact to volumetric engagement, where the protrusion fits into the cavity space, effectively eliminating gaps in three dimensions.
2Device complexity
If lifters are directly attached on the clinching line, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the irregular surface prevents proper attachment and creates openings
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate cavity is pre-formed on the lifter structure before attachment to the drum. This preliminary action creates a ready-made receiving space that anticipates the clinching line protrusion, ensuring proper fit and attachment precision without requiring complex post-attachment adjustments or modifications.
3Ease of manufacture
If the clinching line is exposed, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but laundry items can be trapped and damaged at the joining line
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate cavity structure serves as an intermediary element that covers the clinching line protrusion. Instead of exposing the protrusion directly, the cavity receives it and provides a smooth outer surface, thereby protecting laundry from the protruding joining line while maintaining the simplicity of the clinching manufacturing process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an laundry treatment appliance (1) comprising a tub (2) and a washing receptacle (3) located in the tub (2) and in which the laundry to be washed is placed, said washing receptacle (3) having a clinching line (12) by which two opposite sides of a plate are joined to obtain a cylindrical shape, a plurality of lifters (7) for inducing predetermined displacement of the laundry under different operational conditions are provided in said washing receptacle (3).