Washing Machine Lifting Mechanism for Stable Vertical Mobility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines are difficult to move due to cumbersome manual handling or complex hydraulic/pneumatic systems, which lead to deformation and noise issues, and existing solutions fail to provide a convenient and efficient way to lift and lower the machine body without tilting.

Innovation Solution

A lifting device with a connector system, including levers and a driving mechanism with a speed reducer, that allows for vertical movement of support feet equipped with universal wheels, enabling easy raising and lowering of the washing machine while avoiding interference with other components and ensuring balanced movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulic and pneumatic devices are installed on the bottom support plate to raise and lower the washing machine, then the washing machine can be lifted off the ground to prevent caster deformation, but the structure becomes complicated and noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecaster durabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex hydraulic and pneumatic devices from the system entirely. Instead, it uses a simple electric motor (600W) coupled with a speed reducer to drive a lifting mechanism that raises the washing machine body by 150mm, completely eliminating the need for casters and their associated complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical hydraulic/pneumatic lifting system with an electric-driven lifting mechanism. The electric motor (600W) with speed reducer provides controlled lifting power, substituting the complex fluid-based mechanical system with a simpler electric-mechanical system that reduces both structural complexity and noise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If hydraulic and pneumatic devices are used to lift the washing machine, then caster contact with ground is prevented, but noise is generated affecting user experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecaster protectionVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the noisy hydraulic/pneumatic mechanical systems with an electric motor-driven lifting mechanism. The electric motor provides smooth, controlled lifting without the mechanical noise characteristic of hydraulic pumps or pneumatic actuators, significantly reducing noise pollution while protecting casters from ground contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent completely removes the hydraulic and pneumatic devices that generate noise. By using an electric motor with speed reducer and a lifting mechanism, the system eliminates the noise-generating components while maintaining the protective function of lifting the machine body off the ground

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If manual lifting is used to move the washing machine, then no additional devices are needed, but time and labor are consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidmoving time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated lifting system where the electric motor (600W) with speed reducer automatically raises the washing machine body 150mm with the push of a button. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual lifting effort and time, while the simple structure with few moving parts maintains ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter from manual force application to electric power delivery. The 600W motor provides sufficient lifting force to raise the entire washing machine body 150mm, transforming the operation from labor-intensive manual lifting to a simple electrically-driven process that reduces time and effort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 lifting device simplifies the movement of washing machines, reduces wear and noise, and enhances user experience by allowing easy pushing and secure grounding, while preventing tilting and maintaining efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

the power device is connected to the speed reducer, an output shaft of the power device is fixedly connected to an input shaft of the speed reducer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpeed reducer: Gear

Implementation Method 2

a first lever and a second lever, a second end of the first lever is pivotally connected to the corresponding support foot, and a second end of the second lever is pivotally connected to the corresponding support foot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 3

a walking wheel is disposed at the bottom of the support foot. the walking wheel is a universal wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3733947B1Lifting device and washing machine having same
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 QINGDAO JIAONAN HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO LTD
  • EP3733947B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3733947B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3733947B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A lifting device and a washing machine having same are disclosed. The present invention intends to solve the problems of the difficulty in movement of existing washing machines and the complex structure of existing mobile devices. The lifting device comprises a driving device, a first lever (44), a second lever (45) and support feet; the driving device is provided at the bottom of a washing machine body (1); the support feet are movably provided, in a vertical direction, at the bottom of the body (1); a first end of the first lever (44) is pivotally connected to the driving device, a second end of the first lever (44) is pivotally connected to one support foot, and a pivoting end of the first lever (44) is pivotally connected to the body (1); a first end of the second lever (45) is pivotally connected to the driving device, a second end of the second lever (45) is pivotally connected to one support foot, and a pivoting end of the second lever (45) is pivotally connected to the body (1). The washing machine can drive, by means of the driving device, the first lever (44) and the second lever (45) to enable the support feet to move in the vertical direction, such that the body (1) can rise and fall.