Washing Machine Coupling Panel Structure to Reduce Fastener Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines face increased production costs and reduced efficiency due to the need for multiple fastening members to assemble the element receiving unit to the cabinet, and the unit often separates due to external shocks.
Innovation Solution
A coupling structure featuring a coupling panel with first and second holders and corresponding receiving holes, along with protrusions and a separation prevention bump, allows for secure attachment and easy detachment of the element receiving unit to the cabinet without the need for multiple fastening members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate fastening members (screws) are used to assemble the element receiving unit to the cabinet, then the connection strength is improved, but the product price increases and production efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function into the coupling panel itself by integrating holders that directly engage with receiving holes in the cabinet. This eliminates the need for separate fastening members like screws, thereby reducing part count, lowering product price, and improving production efficiency while maintaining connection strength through the integrated coupling structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fastening function from separate fastening members and incorporates it directly into the coupling panel structure. By taking out the need for additional fastening components and embedding the attachment mechanism within the coupling panel itself, the design simplifies assembly and reduces costs while preserving structural integrity.
2Strength
If separate fastening members are used to assemble the element receiving unit, then the connection strength is improved, but the number of fastening members increases causing increased product price
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling and fastening functions into a single integrated structure. The coupling panel includes holders that directly engage with the cabinet's receiving holes, eliminating the need for multiple separate fastening members. This reduces device complexity and part count while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated design.
3Reliability
If the element receiving unit is coupled using multiple fastening members, then the connection reliability is improved, but the installation position becomes limited and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling function into multiple holders distributed across the coupling panel. This segmentation allows the element receiving unit to be reliably attached at multiple points while maintaining installation flexibility. The modular holder design enables the unit to be coupled at various positions on the cabinet without requiring complex assembly procedures.
4Strength
If separate fastening members are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly time increases reducing production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function into the coupling panel structure, allowing the element receiving unit to be attached directly to the cabinet without the time-consuming process of installing separate fastening members. The integrated holders engage with receiving holes in a single assembly action, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining connection strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine including a cabinet, a tub placed within the cabinet, a wash tub located within the tub to receive laundry therein, an element receiving unit in which elements are received, the element receiving unit being coupled to one side of the cabinet, a coupling panel provided at the element receiving unit so as to be coupled to the cabinet, a receiving panel provided at the cabinet so as to receive at least a portion of the coupling panel, a first holder and a second holder formed at the coupling panel, and a first receiving hole and a second receiving hole perforated in the receiving panel to receive the first holder and the second holder respectively therein. The coupling panel is pivotally rotated after the first holder is positioned into the first receiving hole, causing the second holder to be fitted into the second receiving hole.