Washer Shaft Coupling for Selective Agitator and Basket Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines require complex mechanical drive systems for coupling and uncoupling agitator and basket shafts, which can be simplified to reduce manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A coupling apparatus with an inner and outer shaft, a movable coupling element, and an actuating element that selectively engages or disengages the shafts based on the wash cycle, allowing for independent rotation during agitation and synchronized spinning during spin cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical drive system is used to couple and uncouple agitator and basket shafts, then the shafts can be engaged and disengaged during wash cycles, but the drive system becomes complex and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate components: a coupling element with engagement surfaces, actuating elements positioned at different heights, and corresponding shafts with matching engagement features. This segmentation allows independent control of coupling actions while simplifying the overall drive system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling element acts as an intermediary between the agitator shaft and basket shaft, enabling selective engagement and disengagement. The coupling element transfers rotational motion between shafts when engaged and allows independent rotation when disengaged, eliminating the need for complex mechanical drive systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical drive system is used to couple and uncouple shafts, then shaft engagement is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed to be self-actuating through the use of two independently positioned actuators that engage with the coupling element's surfaces. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external drive systems, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full engagement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanical drive system to force shaft engagement, the invention inverts the approach by using a passive coupling element that naturally engages when actuators apply force to its surfaces. This inversion simplifies the drive system and reduces manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling element is moved between engaged and disengaged positions, then selective shaft coupling is achieved, but the mechanism requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves multiple functions: it couples the agitator shaft to the basket shaft during spin cycles, allows independent rotation during agitation cycles, and provides a neutral position when neither cycle is active. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is positioned within the drive system such that it nests between the agitator shaft and basket shaft, allowing compact arrangement of components. The actuating elements are positioned at different heights on the coupling element, enabling vertical stacking of functional components and reducing overall mechanism complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling apparatus includes an inner shaft rotatably driven about a longitudinal axis of rotation, an outer shaft concentric with the inner shaft for selective rotation about the longitudinal axis, a coupling element movable between a first position engaging the inner shaft to the outer shaft for rotation therewith, and a second position disengaging the inner shaft from the outer shaft for relative rotation therebetween, and an actuating element connected to the coupling element and operable to move the coupling element between the first position and the second position.