Front Panel Reinforcement Structure for Washing Machine Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face challenges in reinforcing the strength of their cabinets against vibration and falling, particularly in preventing deformation and peeling of the front panel's corners, and covering sharp edges.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of reinforcement members with protrusion portions connected to the base and cover portions to enhance the structural integrity of the front panel, including cylindrical ribs for secure coupling and edge coverage, addresses these issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the cabinet material is changed from powder coating to PCM/VCM steel plate to give a luxurious image, then the appearance quality is improved, but the strength against vibration and falling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding reinforcement members specifically at the lower corner portions of the front panel where strength is most needed, rather than uniformly thickening the entire panel. This allows the cabinet to maintain its thin, luxurious appearance while providing localized strength enhancement at critical stress points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the thin PCM/VCM steel plate front panel with separate reinforcement members made of metal or other strong materials. This creates a composite structure that maintains the aesthetic properties of the thin panel while adding the mechanical strength of the reinforcement members.
2Weight of stationary object
If the front panel is made thin to reduce weight and cost, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the strength reinforcement against vibration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating reinforcement only at the lower corner portions of the front panel where vibration and impact forces are most intense, rather than uniformly thickening the entire panel. This allows the majority of the panel to remain thin and lightweight while providing targeted strength where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the front panel into two functional parts: the thin main panel body for aesthetics and weight reduction, and the discrete reinforcement members at the corners for strength. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
3Strength
If reinforcement members are added to strengthen the front panel, then the strength against vibration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing reinforcement members only at the specific lower corner portions where strength is most needed, rather than adding reinforcement throughout the entire panel. This minimizes the number of additional components and their associated complexity while providing sufficient strength enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by integrating the reinforcement members with the existing front panel structure through coupling holes and protrusion portions, creating a unified assembly that functions as a single structural unit rather than separate components requiring complex assembly procedures.
4Ease of manufacture
If the front panel corners are left unreinforced to maintain simplicity, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the corner deformation and peeling occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing reinforcement specifically at the vulnerable corner regions where deformation and peeling are most likely to occur, while leaving the rest of the panel simple and easy to manufacture. This targeted approach maintains manufacturing simplicity overall while protecting critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing the reinforcement members at the corner portions before final panel assembly, so that the corners are already strengthened and protected against deformation and peeling before the panel is subjected to vibration and impact forces during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a washing machine capable of reinforcing strength against vibration and falling by including a reinforcement member for improving strength. The washing machine includes a cabinet forming an outer appearance, a base disposed at a bottom of the cabinet, a front panel disposed at a front side of the cabinet, and reinforcement members mounted on an inner surface of the front panel to reinforce strength of the front panel, wherein each of the reinforcement members includes a protrusion portion disposed at a lower corner of the front panel and protruding such that at least a portion thereof is connected to the base.