Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with solenoid-operated clutches face issues of continuous power requirement, heat generation, and potential damage due to power disconnection, leading to structural complexity and space constraints in adjusting the coupler configuration.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design where the coupler moves downward by gravity when not powered, with a mechanism to restrain its downward movement, allowing it to be fixed or released in position, using a solenoid module to move the coupler upward and a coupler guide that rotates to lock it in place, enabling axial coupling or decoupling of the drive and dewatering shafts without continuous solenoid operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the solenoid operates continuously to keep the coupler in the higher position, then the coupler configuration can be adjusted, but heat generation and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid operates periodically rather than continuously. It is activated only when the coupler needs to be moved between positions (first position for coupling, second position for decoupling), and remains inactive when the coupler maintains its current position. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption and heat generation while maintaining the ability to adjust coupler configuration when needed.
2Reliability
If the solenoid operates continuously to keep the coupler in the higher position, then the coupler configuration can be adjusted, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid operates periodically rather than continuously. It is activated only when the coupler needs to be moved between positions (first position for coupling, second position for decoupling), and remains inactive when the coupler maintains its current position. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption and heat generation while maintaining the ability to adjust coupler configuration when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the solenoid is used to move the coupler, then the coupler can be positioned, but damage may occur due to power disconnection from abnormal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism is segmented into two independent systems: (1) the solenoid for active positioning between first and second positions, and (2) the coupler guide with locking protrusions for passive maintenance of position. This segmentation ensures that if the solenoid fails due to power disconnection, the coupler remains securely positioned by the mechanical locking structure, preventing damage from unintended movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler guide acts as an intermediary mechanical locking structure between the solenoid and the coupler. When the solenoid moves the coupler to a desired position, the coupler guide's locking protrusions engage to maintain that position mechanically, serving as a backup that prevents damage from power disconnection or solenoid failure.
4Reliability
If a separate member is mounted to fix the coupler in position, then the coupler can be restrained, but structural complexity and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling guide serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the coupler's vertical movement along the dewatering shaft, provides mechanical locking through its locking protrusions to maintain coupler position, and interfaces with the solenoid for actuation. By merging these functions into a single component rather than using separate members for each function, the structure remains simple while achieving reliable position fixation.
5Reliability
If the coupler is restrained from downward movement, then position stability is achieved, but the upward movement mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler guide's locking protrusions automatically engage with the coupler when it reaches the first or second positions during upward movement. The solenoid simply needs to provide the force to move the coupler upward; the position stabilization is achieved automatically by the mechanical engagement of the locking protrusions without requiring additional active control or complex mechanisms.
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
This design reduces power consumption, prevents heat generation, and addresses malfunctions caused by product variations, ensuring reliable operation and efficient shaft coupling without continuous solenoid power, thus enhancing the structural simplicity and operational reliability of the washing machine.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid module that generates a magnetic field by applying a voltage to a coil and moves the coupler upward in a lengthwise direction of the dewatering shaft
Implementation Method 2
The coupler moves downward by gravity if there is no force applied to it
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes a dewatering shaft for rotating a washing tub, a drive shaft for rotating a pulsator in the washing tub, a coupler configured to move along the dewatering shaft to couple or decouple the drive shaft and the dewatering shaft, a solenoid configured to move the coupler, and a coupler guide configured to be rotated by contact with the coupler or to maintain the coupler in the second position. The coupler includes locking protrusions configured to lock onto an upper side of the coupler guide. The coupler guide includes first guide projections disposed on an outer perimeter of the coupler guide and configured to contact one of the locking protrusions to rotate the coupler guide, and second guide projections disposed opposite to the first guide projections and configured to contact another of the locking protrusions to rotate the coupler guide.