Washing Machine Door Rotation-Type Coupling for Simplified Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing door assembling structure of washing machines is complex, requiring manual screw fastening and making manufacturing less productive, and after-sales service difficult due to the need for whole door replacement.
Innovation Solution
A rotation type coupling method is introduced for the door assembly, using a first door member with a curved disc shape and a second door member with a frame and glass, featuring fastening protrusions and holes, a rotation prevention stopper, and a fixing part to simplify assembly and disassembly, allowing for easy after-sales service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw fastening is used to assemble the door, then the door structure is secure, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw fastening mechanism with a rotation-type coupling mechanism. The coupling hole and coupling boss rotate relative to each other to engage the door members, eliminating the need for manual screw insertion and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural security.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation-type coupling mechanism allows the door members to self-align and self-lock through rotational movement. The guide part with inclined surface automatically guides the coupling components into proper engagement position, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and reducing assembly time.
2Ease of manufacture
If hook assembly is used to connect door members, then assembly is simple, but disassembly is inevitable and whole door replacement is required for after-sales service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the door into separable members (first door member and second door member) connected by the rotation-type coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows individual members to be replaced independently during after-sales service, eliminating the need to replace the entire door assembly while maintaining simple assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation-type coupling mechanism provides dynamic engagement and disengagement capability. The coupling components can be easily separated by reversing the rotational engagement process, enabling quick disassembly for maintenance and repair without permanent attachment.
3Ease of operation
If multiple coupling holes and coupling bosses are formed in door members, then the door can be assembled, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coupling functions into a single rotation-type coupling mechanism. Instead of requiring multiple separate coupling holes and bosses distributed throughout the door members, the design uses one integrated coupling hole and one coupling boss that work together through rotational movement, reducing the total number of features and simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine (1) in which a touch panel is placed at a door (20) so that an exterior of the washing machine can be improved, the washing machine including: a body (10) in which an opening (11a) is formed; and a door (20) disposed to open and close the opening (11a), wherein the door (20) includes: a first door member (21) that constitutes a front side of the door (20); and a second door member (22) that is combined with the first door member (21) and constitutes a rear side of the door (20), and wherein the first door member (21) and the second door member (22) are combined with each other so that the first door member (21) is capable of being rotated relative to the second door member (22).