Washing machine appliance lid assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lid assemblies in washing machine appliances with plastic perimeter frames are prone to creep and fracture due to operational forces, necessitating a more durable design that includes a glass pane with a resistant perimeter frame.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly design where a transparent panel is directly attached to hinge brackets, with a perimeter frame composed of frame members that are welded together to ensure the panel is securely pressed against the brackets, forming a seal and distributing forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plastic perimeter frame is used to house the glass pane in the lid assembly, then the lid assembly can be manufactured with ease and lower cost, but the plastic frame is prone to creep and fracture due to operational forces over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a glass pane with a metal perimeter frame (aluminum or stainless steel) instead of using plastic. The metal frame provides superior structural strength and resistance to creep and fracture, while the glass pane maintains transparency. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by sacrificing ease of manufacture (metal framing is more complex than plastic) to achieve reliable long-term durability under operational forces.
2Strength
If the transparent panel is directly attached to hinge brackets, then the structural integrity and force distribution are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hinge brackets directly into the metal perimeter frame structure, eliminating separate attachment components. The hinge brackets are formed as integral parts of the frame, which simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining strong force distribution pathways from the glass pane through the frame to the hinges. This merging approach resolves the contradiction by achieving both structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity.
3Reliability
If the perimeter frame is welded to ensure the panel is securely pressed against the brackets, then the sealing functionality and structural strength are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes welding parameters (heat input, welding sequence, joint design) to create strong bonds between the metal frame members and hinge brackets that securely press the glass pane against the brackets. By carefully controlling welding parameters, the patent achieves reliable sealing functionality while managing manufacturing precision requirements. The welding process creates permanent, strong joints that maintain seal integrity under operational conditions.
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 solution provides a durable and resistant lid assembly that prevents creep and fracture, ensuring the transparency of the glass pane while maintaining structural integrity and sealing functionality.
Implementation Method 1
welding the first and second frame members together such that the inside lip of the second frame member remains pressed against the transparent panel
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance including a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub is provided. The cabinet defines an opening at a top end to allow a user to access the basket. A lid assembly is positioned over the opening of the cabinet and includes a perimeter frame, a pair of hinge brackets positioned at least partially in the perimeter frame, and a transparent panel attached directly to the hinge brackets.