Washing Machine Door Assembly with Sub-Door for Mid-Cycle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines restrict the ability to add laundry or detergent during a wash cycle, as the door must remain locked until the cycle is complete or the water is drained, limiting flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a door assembly with a rotatable sub-door and a sealing assembly that allows for the independent opening of a secondary opening, enabling the addition of laundry or detergent during the cycle while maintaining effective sealing through a combination of a sealing rubber and cap, and a guide duct with flange-shaped connections for enhanced sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the door is locked during the washing cycle to maintain sealing, then sealing efficiency is improved, but the ability to add laundry or detergent during the cycle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into a main door and a sub-door that can be opened independently. The sub-door includes a second opening that can be accessed separately from the main first opening, allowing users to add laundry or detergent during the washing cycle without compromising the sealing of the main door.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide duct is introduced as an intermediary structure that connects the second opening (accessible when sub-door is open) to the washing space inside the drum. This allows material transfer (laundry or detergent) while maintaining the sealed state of the main door assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sub-door is added to allow independent opening, then the ability to add laundry or detergent is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-door assembly is merged with the main door structure, sharing common sealing components and structural elements. The guide duct is integrated into the door assembly, and both openings lead to the same washing space, creating a unified system that adds functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple openings are created in the door assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sealing difficulty deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different sealing solutions are applied to different openings based on their specific requirements. The first opening (main door) uses a primary sealing member, while the second opening (sub-door) uses a separate sealing member that can be independently controlled. Each sealing location is optimized for its specific function and access pattern.
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 allows users to freely input laundry or detergent at any time during the wash cycle, diversifies input methods, and improves the sealing structure, ensuring the cabinet interior remains effectively sealed.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing rubber having elasticity and configured to cover a gap formed between the guide duct and the glass opening
Implementation Method 2
a sealing cap configured to press the sealing rubber toward the gap
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a washing machine, which includes a cabinet having a first opening and a washing space therein and a door assembly configured to open or close the first opening. The door assembly includes a door unit including a guide duct having one side forming a second opening and the other side connected to the washing space, and configured to be rotatable with respect to the cabinet, a sub-door configured to open or close the second opening and a sealing assembly configured to seal the other side of the guide duct. With this configuration, it is possible to effectively seal the inside of the washing machine.