Washing Machine Filter Cover Retention Using Flexible Tether
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry washing machines face difficulties in repositioning the filter cover after cleaning or replacement, leading to a risk of loss and delays in restoring the filter unit's functionality.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connecting device is used to securely attach the removable closing element of the filter opening to the washing machine, allowing easy removal and reinsertion without the risk of loss, and ensuring the cover is always accessible for repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the removable closing element is completely separated from the filter opening for easy filter removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of losing the closing element increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible connecting element acts as an intermediary between the removable closing element and the washing machine cabinet. This flexible connection allows the closing element to be easily removed and repositioned while preventing complete separation and loss, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the removable closing element is completely removed for filter maintenance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time for recovery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connecting element serves as a mediator that keeps the closing element attached to the washing machine during filter maintenance operations. This eliminates the time loss associated with searching for and recovering the closing element after filter removal, while still allowing easy filter access.
3Reliability
If the closing element is permanently fixed to the filter opening, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for filter removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the closing element and the washing machine is made dynamic rather than static. The flexible connecting element allows the closing element to be easily removed and repositioned when needed, while maintaining attachment to prevent loss, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry washing machine (1) comprising: a cabinet (2) containing a washing tub (3), in which washing liquid may be loaded; a rotatable drum (4), rotatably accommodated in the washing tub (3) for containing the laundry to be washed; a water load system (5) for conveying washing water into the washing tub (3); and a discharge system (6) for discharging waste washing liquid outside the laundry washing machine (1). Furthermore, the discharge system comprises a filter unit (7) which comprises: a filter receiving body (8), positioned inside the cabinet (2) and accessible via a filter opening (9) provided in the cabinet (2); a filter element (10) removably positioned into the filter receiving body (8); a removable closing element (11) for selectively closing the filter opening (9), so as to selectively allowing or impeding the access to the filter receiving body (8). The laundry washing machine further comprises a flexible connecting device (12) connecting the removable closing element (11) to a portion of the laundry washing machine (1). The flexible connecting device (12) allows the removable closing element (11) to be always connected to a portion of the laundry washing machine (1). Thus, the risk that such a removable closing element (11) may be lost or moved away from the laundry washing machine (1), when it is temporarily removed for allowing the removal/insertion of the filter element (10), is eliminated.