Washing Machine Front Cover Integration to Eliminate Visible Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines have a compromised aesthetic appeal due to visible lines between the upper and lower portions of the front side, and lack sufficient rigidity and vibration support in their side frames.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates beads that protrude outward as they approach the center of the side frames for enhanced rigidity, combined with an integrally formed front cover extending from the top to the bottom frame, and elastic hooks for secure attachment, eliminating visible lines and improving structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the front side is divided into upper and lower portions with separate components, then the structural complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the esthetic appeal deteriorates due to visible lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the upper and lower front side components into a single integrated front cover that extends continuously from the top frame to the bottom frame. This eliminates the visible line between upper and lower portions, achieving a seamless appearance that improves esthetic appeal while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integral forming processes
2Ease of manufacture
If the side frames are made with simple flat structure, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the rigidity deteriorates leading to insufficient vibration support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates beads with curved cross-sections into the side frames. These beads protrude from the flat surface of the side frames and extend toward the center, creating a three-dimensional curved structure that significantly enhances rigidity and vibration resistance while still being manufacturable through standard forming processes
3Strength
If beads are added to the side frames for enhanced rigidity, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the side frames by adding beads with specific dimensions and distributions. The beads have controlled heights, spacing, and cross-sectional shapes that can be adjusted to achieve the desired rigidity level. This parameter-based approach allows optimization of strength while managing complexity through standardized design elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a washing machine including: a cabinet including a plurality of side frames, a back frame, a top frame and a bottom frame; a front frame that is disposed in front of the cabinet and includes an internal laundry port through which laundry is put into a rotating tub, and a front cover that is disposed in front of the front frame, extends from the top frame to the bottom frame, includes an external laundry port corresponding to the internal laundry port and is integrally formed. Thus, no line is formed in a front side of the washing machine so that the exterior of the washing machine can be enhanced.