Washing Tub Lifter Locking Structure for Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Front-loading washing machines face deformation issues in the coupling region due to accumulated stress from centrifugal force, especially as the use time increases, when the washing tub and lifter are separately provided, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing and operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A front-loading washing machine design featuring a lifter coupled to the washing tub through locking holes and a locking member that disperses stress, with a locking hole and fastening boss configuration to prevent deformation, including an inclined portion and a groove to manage stress distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the washing tub and lifter are provided as a single body, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the structure deforms noticeably under centrifugal force during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member integrates multiple functions: it couples the lifter to the washing tub, distributes centrifugal stress across multiple contact points (first edge, second edge, third edge), and prevents relative movement between components. This merging of functions achieves both manufacturing simplicity and operational stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the washing tub and lifter are separately provided and coupled, then deformation under centrifugal force is reduced, but stress accumulates in the coupling region over time causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hole geometry is specifically designed with multiple edges (first edge, second edge, third edge) that create localized stress distribution zones. The locking member's contact points are strategically positioned to distribute centrifugal stress across these edges, preventing stress concentration and deformation in the coupling region.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the washing tub and lifter are separately provided, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but production line complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine drum system is segmented into independent components (washing tub, lifter, locking member) that can be manufactured separately using different production methods and materials. This segmentation provides manufacturing flexibility while the simple locking mechanism minimizes assembly complexity.
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 effectively reduces stress on the coupling region by 26% compared to traditional designs, enhancing the durability and longevity of the washing machine by preventing deformation and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
the locking member passing through the locking hole, bent at an outside of the washing tub and extended in a spinning axis direction of the washing tub, and the locking hole including a first edge to which the locking member is locked to couple the lifter and the washing tub, and a second edge and a third edge adjacent to opposite ends of the first edge and surrounding the locking member to face with each other
Implementation Method 2
the front-loading washing machine has the washing tub of which the spinning shaft is substantially horizontal, and only the spinning force of the washing tub is not enough to lift the laundry from the lower side to the upper side of the washing tub. Therefore, the front-loading washing machine further includes one or more lifters provided inside the washing tub in order to lift the laundry. When the washing tub spins during a washing process, the lifter lifts up the laundry so that the laundry can fall on the bottom of the washing tub while having friction with water.
Data Source
AI summary
A front-loading washing machine includes a housing; a washing tub including one or more locking holes on a lateral side; and one or more lifters lifting up laundry based on spinning of the washing tub. The lifter includes a locking member passing through the locking hole, bent at an outside of the washing tub and extended in a spinning axis direction of the washing tub. The locking hole includes a first edge to which the locking member is locked to couple the lifter and the washing tub, and a second edge and a third edge adjacent to opposite ends of the first edge and surrounding the locking member to face with each other.