Drum Washing Machine Transmission Layout for Lower Planetary Gear Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drum washing machines face challenges in achieving stable performance and long service life due to the high load on planetary gear mechanisms, which affects power transmission and durability.

Innovation Solution

A drum washing machine design that incorporates a planetary gear assembly with a main shaft and agitator, allowing for various washing modes by adjusting the rotation direction and speed of the agitator and drum, reducing the load on the planetary gear assembly and enhancing stability and longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the planetary gear mechanism is used to drive both the drum and impeller, then the washing machine can achieve multiple washing modes, but the planetary gear mechanism suffers from high load affecting power transmission and service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing modesVSAvoidservice life of planetary gear mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission system is segmented into two independent paths: the driver directly drives the drum via the main shaft, while a separate planetary gear assembly drives the agitator. This segmentation reduces the load on the planetary gear mechanism by eliminating the need to drive the heavy drum, thereby improving reliability and service life while maintaining multiple washing modes through coordinated operation of the drum and agitator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the planetary gear mechanism drives the drum directly, then the structure is simplified, but the planetary gear mechanism bears excessive load affecting power transmission effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission structureVSAvoidpower transmission effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission structure is segmented such that the driver directly connects to the main shaft for drum driving, while the planetary gear assembly forms a separate transmission path for the agitator. This segmentation ensures that the planetary gear mechanism only handles the lighter load of the agitator, maintaining power transmission effectiveness without requiring an overly complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the drum volume is large to accommodate laundry and water, then the washing capacity is improved, but the load on the planetary gear mechanism increases reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrum volumeVSAvoidservice life of planetary gear mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented so that the large-volume drum is driven directly by the driver through the main shaft, bypassing the planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear assembly only drives the smaller agitator, significantly reducing its load. This allows the drum to maintain large volume for washing capacity while the planetary gear mechanism enjoys extended service life from reduced loading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enables stable power transmission, diversifies washing modes, and prolongs the service life of the machine by reducing the load on the planetary gear assembly and improving performance stability.

Implementation Method 1

a planetary gear assembly in transmission connection with the main shaft and the agitator and transmitting a torque of the main shaft to the agitator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3674465B1Drum washing machine
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 WUXI LITTLE SWAN ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3674465B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3674465B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3674465B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

A drum washing machine (100) includes a tub (1); a drum (2) rotatably arranged in the tub (1); an agitator (4) rotatably arranged in the drum (2); a drive in transmission connection with the drum (2) via a main shaft (31) which transmits a torque of the driver to the drum; and a planetary gear assembly (6) in transmission connection with the main shaft (31) and the agitator (4) and transmitting a torque of the main shaft (31) to the agitator (4).