Washing Machine Hinge Wire Routing to Preserve Exterior Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in aesthetically connecting electrical components inside the cabinet with those inside the door without exposing wires, which affects the machine's exterior design and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wire connection structure through a hinge assembly with a wire guide portion, allowing the wire to pass through the hinge, ensuring electrical connectivity between components inside the cabinet and door while maintaining a clean exterior, using a hinge cover to prevent exposure and improve work efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires are exposed to connect electrical components inside the cabinet and door, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance of the washing machine is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly serves as an intermediary structure that provides a concealed pathway for wires. The wire guide portion within the hinge allows wires to pass through internally, connecting electrical components in the door and cabinet without external exposure, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while ensuring reliable electrical connectivity.
2Shape
If wires are routed through the hinge assembly, then the exterior design is maintained, but the complexity of the hinge structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection for the door, enables pivoting motion, and simultaneously serves as a concealed conduit for wire routing. The wire guide portion is integrated into the hinge structure, allowing the same component to fulfill both mechanical and electrical routing functions without adding separate external wiring channels.
3Shape
If a wire guide portion is formed in the hinge, then wires are protected from exposure, but the manufacturing complexity of the hinge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire guide portion is nested within the existing hinge assembly structure. Rather than adding a separate external conduit, the wire routing pathway is formed as an internal feature of the hinge itself, utilizing the existing three-dimensional space and structure of the hinge to accommodate and protect the wires.
4Productivity
If the hinge assembly is used for wire routing, then work efficiency is improved, but the hinge design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wire routing function is merged with the hinge assembly structure. The wire guide portion is integrated directly into the hinge, combining the mechanical door-hinging function with the electrical wire routing function in a single unified component, thereby simplifying installation and improving work efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a washing machine having an improved wire connection structure for electrically connecting electrical components. The washing machine includes a cabinet which has a first electrical component, forms an exterior, and has an opening through which laundry is inserted; a door provided with a second electrical component, and configured to open and close the opening; a wire which electrically connects the first electrical component and the second electrical component; and a hinge which has a wire guide portion for coupling the door to the cabinet so as to be rotatable about a rotating axis and for guiding the wire.