Laundry washing machine comprising a filter assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of filter assemblies in laundry washing machines is complex and labor-intensive, particularly when the filter opening is in a recessed portion of the external casing, requiring tools and making it difficult to connect the filter unit securely without excessive stress on the structure.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a snap-fit locking element and resilient stopping element allows for easy assembly and secure attachment of the filter assembly to the external casing, enabling tool-free connection and reliable alignment without external fixing members, using a guide member and engagement portion that automatically fasten when aligned, suitable for various external casing designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded locking rings or similar connecting elements are used for fixing the filter assembly to the front panel, then the connection between the filter unit and the front panel is secure, but the assembling of the washing machine becomes more complex and labour-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed with self-aligning features including a guide member on the front panel and a corresponding guide portion on the filter assembly. When the filter assembly is inserted, the guide portions automatically align with the guide member, enabling the connection without requiring external alignment tools or complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the alignment and connection functions into separate dedicated components: a guide member fixed to the front panel and guide portions on the filter assembly. This separation allows the filter assembly to be connected independently without requiring threaded locking rings or other complex fixing mechanisms
2Shape
If the opening for the filter is positioned in a recessed part of the front panel to improve external appearance, then the handle and visible parts are hidden, but the connection between the filter unit and the front panel becomes quite difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member extends from the recessed opening into the interior space of the washing machine, creating a three-dimensional alignment path. This allows the filter assembly to be connected from the front while the guide member provides alignment guidance throughout the insertion process, making recessed positioning feasible without compromising connection ease
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary element between the recessed opening and the filter assembly. It provides a physical interface that guides the filter assembly into proper alignment during insertion, enabling easy connection despite the recessed positioning that improves external appearance
3Shape
If the opening for inserting/removing the filter is in a recessed portion of the external casing, then the external appearance is improved, but it requires positioning fixing members from outside the external casing which complicates assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portions on the filter assembly and guide member on the front panel create a self-aligning system that automatically positions components correctly during assembly. This eliminates the need for workers to manually position and secure fixing members from outside the casing, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the recessed opening design
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
Facilitates simple and reliable connection of the filter assembly to the washing machine, reducing assembly complexity and ensuring a robust attachment without requiring tools, while accommodating different external casing shapes and designs.
Implementation Method 1
an automatic fastening locking element, automatically fastening the engagement portion to the guide member when the engagement portion reaches a predetermined fastening position into the guide member
Implementation Method 2
said resilient stopping element is formed on a resilient flap against which the snap-fit locking element urges before reaching said predetermined fastening position, the flap developing along a surface which is tilted with respect to a path followed by an outermost portion of said snap-fit locking element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A laundry washing machine (100) comprises an outer casing (101), a treatment chamber (1) for receiving a load to be washed, a pump unit (4) for discharging water from the treatment chamber, a filter assembly (2) coupled to the pump unit and comprising a filter element (21) removably housed in a filter body (20), wherein the washing machine comprises a connection interface (30) into which an opening (103) is defined and through which the filter element (21) can be inserted into/removed from the filter body (20). The washing machine further comprises a connecting device (3) for connecting the filter body (20) to the connection interface (30), comprising a guide member (31) and a respective engagement portion (32) that match with the guide member (31) such that the filter body (20) and the connection interface (30) are coupled together, and an automatic fastening locking element (33) preventing movement of the engagement portion (32) with respect to the guide member (31) when the engagement portion is at least partially received in the guide member.