Washer-Dryer Pedestal Coupling Ribs for Damage-Free Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing/drying machines require complex and costly coupling processes with separate members, leading to surface damage and aesthetic issues when mounting or removing them from pedestals, and are not universally compatible with different machine types.

Innovation Solution

A pedestal with coupling ribs on its base and supporter, allowing direct coupling without additional members, using leg holes and coupling ribs to secure the machine, preventing surface damage and maintaining aesthetics, and enabling compatibility with both washing and drying machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a separate coupling member with double-sided tape and screws is used to couple the washing/drying machine to the pedestal, then the coupling strength is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidcoupling process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the coupling function directly into the pedestal structure by forming coupling ribs as integral parts of the pedestal housing, eliminating the need for separate coupling members. The coupling ribs include built-in screw holes and positioning features that combine multiple functions (coupling, positioning, and fastening) into a single integrated component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining coupling strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pedestal with integrated coupling ribs serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, incorporates coupling mechanisms through the ribs, and includes positioning features for aligning the washing/drying machine. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate coupling members and reduces the overall number of components required in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If a separate coupling member with double-sided tape is used to couple the washing/drying machine to the pedestal, then the coupling strength is improved, but surface damage occurs and aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidsurface damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling function is merged into the pedestal structure through integrated coupling ribs that include built-in screw holes. This eliminates the need for external double-sided tape that would leave spots on surfaces, as all coupling elements are contained within the pedestal structure itself, preventing surface damage and maintaining aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If screws are used to fix the coupling member to the pedestal, then the coupling strength is improved, but surface damage occurs and the coupling member may become curved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidsurface damage and deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The screw holes are integrated directly into the coupling ribs of the pedestal structure rather than requiring separate coupling members. This integration ensures that screws are properly positioned and distributed, preventing surface damage and deformation while maintaining coupling strength. The coupling ribs are designed to distribute the load evenly, preventing curvature of the coupling elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If a pedestal with separate coupling members is used, then coupling strength is improved, but productivity decreases due to complicated coupling process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidmounting productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling ribs are formed as integral parts of the pedestal housing during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate coupling members that would require additional assembly steps. The integrated design allows for simpler mounting procedures where the washing/drying machine is directly coupled to the pedestal using the built-in ribs and screw holes, thereby improving productivity while maintaining coupling strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7921679B2Washing/drying machine
Publication Date: 2011.04.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US7921679B2 patent drawing
  • US7921679B2 patent drawing
  • US7921679B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is the washing/drying machine having a pedestal, including: a washing/drying machine main body performing a washing or drying operation of laundry; and a pedestal for mounting the main body thereon, wherein a base having legs is coupled at a lower end of the main body, and a supporter having coupling ribs for fixing the base to the pedestal is mounted at an upper surface of the pedestal, thereby preventing a damage to the surface of the pedestal or the washing/drying machine and facilitating mounting/dismounting the supporter or the pedestal.