Washing Machine Drawer Retaining Device with Snap-Lock Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry washing machines have complex retaining devices for the detergent drawer, requiring intricate assembly and making it difficult to fix, remove, and substitute the retaining device during manufacturing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A removable retaining device with a releasable locking element that connects to the supporting structure via a simple sliding mechanism, allowing easy assembly and disassembly, and can be snap-fixed for secure operation without requiring tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional retaining device with spring-biased safety catch arm and bolt-nut connection is used, then the drawer can be retained securely, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is divided into separate modular components: a retaining arm assembly and a locking mechanism assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled through simple insertion, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining retention security.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex bolt-nut connection system is extracted and replaced with a simplified insertion-based locking mechanism. The locking element is taken out as a separate component that engages with the supporting structure through straightforward insertion movements, eliminating the need for threading and fastening operations.
2Reliability
If a conventional retaining device with multiple components is used, then the drawer can be retained, but the assembly and disassembly processes become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking during insertion. The locking element automatically engages with the supporting structure when inserted, eliminating the need for manual alignment or additional fastening steps, thereby simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining arm and locking mechanism are combined into an integrated assembly that moves as a single unit during installation. This merging reduces the number of separate assembly operations required, making the manufacturing process simpler and more efficient while maintaining the retention function.
3Reliability
If the retaining device is fixed with bolt-nut connection, then the drawer can be securely retained, but the retaining device cannot be easily removed or substituted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs a dynamic locking element that can be easily disengaged and repositioned. This allows the retaining device to be quickly removed and substituted if needed, while still providing secure retention when installed, thereby improving ease of repair without compromising reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine (100) has a drawer (1) having at least one compartment (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) for receiving an agent for treating laundry, a supporting structure (2) on which the drawer can slide and a removable retaining device (4) connectable to the supporting structure for delimiting a movement of the drawer with respect to the supporting structure. The removable retaining device is connected to the supporting structure by moving the removable retaining device along a fixing direction. The supporting structure has an engagement element (220) and the removable retaining device has a releasable locking element (420) engaging with the engagement element such that, when the removable retaining device is moved along the fixing direction in order to be connected to the supporting structure, the releasable locking element locks the retaining device in a connected condition.