Washing Machine Lifting Mechanism for Caster Protection and Mobility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines are difficult to move due to cumbersome manual handling and complex hydraulic/pneumatic systems, which lead to deformation and noise issues with casters and interference with other components.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a driving mechanism, levers, and support feet that allows for vertical movement of the washing machine, using a power device and speed reducer to raise or lower the machine body, incorporating universal wheels for easy movement and preventing tilting, with adjustable lever lengths to avoid interference with other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic and pneumatic devices are installed on the bottom support plate to raise/lower the washing machine, then the washing machine can be lifted off the ground to prevent caster deformation, but the structure becomes complicated and generates noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex hydraulic and pneumatic devices from the system and replaces them with a simplified lever-based mechanical lifting mechanism. The lever arm pivots on the support plate and directly transfers rotational motion to vertical lifting motion of the support foot, eliminating the need for fluid-based actuation systems while achieving the same functional outcome of raising the washing machine to prevent caster damage
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex hydraulic/pneumatic systems to create lifting force, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple lever arm that converts rotational motion from a motor into vertical lifting motion through mechanical advantage. The support foot rotates about a pivot point on the support plate, directly translating rotational input into vertical displacement without intermediate fluid transmission systems
2Ease of operation
If casters directly contact the ground to bear the weight, then the washing machine can be moved, but the wheel bodies are easily deformed and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic support system where the support foot can rotate between a lowered position (contacting the ground to bear weight) and a retracted position (allowing casters to contact the ground for movement). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its load-bearing configuration based on operational needs, protecting casters from deformation during stationary periods while maintaining mobility when required
3Device complexity
If manual lifting is used to move the washing machine, then no additional devices are needed, but it is time and labor consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated lifting system where a motor-driven lever arm automatically raises and lowers the washing machine without requiring manual intervention. The system self-actuates to transition between transport mode (support foot on ground) and operational mode (washing machine elevated), eliminating the time and labor expenditure associated with manual lifting while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a single motor and lever mechanism
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
Enhances the convenience and speed of washing machine movement while reducing wear and noise, improving user experience by allowing easy pushing and firm grounding, and preventing tilting during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first lever having a first length, a second lever having a second length... the driving device is capable of driving the support feet to move in the vertical direction through the first lever and the second lever so that the supported apparatus is raised or lowered
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting device and a washing machine having same that resolves difficulty moving existing washing machines. The lifting device includes a driving device, a first lever, a second lever and support feet; the driving device is provided at the bottom of a washing machine body; the support feet are movably provided, in a vertical direction, at the bottom of the body; a first end of the first lever is pivotally connected to the driving device, a second end of the first lever is pivotally connected to one support foot, and a pivoting end of the first lever is pivotally connected to the body; a first end of the second lever is pivotally connected to the driving device, a second end of the second lever is pivotally connected to one support foot, and a pivoting end of the second lever is pivotally connected to the body.