Washing Machine Hose Retainer with Pin Alignment to Prevent Dislodging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face issues with hoses dislodging during operation due to water pressure and incorrect mounting, leading to damage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece hose retainer in the form of a clamp with a pin and housing system ensures correct alignment and secure fixing to the tub using a C-shaped clamp and screw connection, preventing dislodging and determining the mounting direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hose is mounted to the washing machine without a proper alignment mechanism, then the mounting process is simple, but the hose may dislodge during operation due to water pressure and incorrect orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is pre-aligned with the tub using a pin inserted into a housing before the hose is attached. This preliminary alignment action ensures the hose will be mounted in the correct orientation, preventing dislodging during operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the hose and the tub. It provides both mechanical support and alignment guidance, mediating the connection to ensure the hose remains securely mounted in the correct position without requiring complex direct attachment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for hose fixation, then the alignment and securing functions can be optimized, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides mechanical clamping force to secure the hose, includes a pin for alignment with the tub housing, and structures the plates to guide proper orientation. This consolidation achieves reliable fixation without requiring multiple separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs alignment (via the pin), clamping (via the C-shaped structure), and orientation guidance (via the plate arrangement). This universal design ensures secure hose mounting while minimizing the total number of components needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a tub (2) wherein the laundry is washed; a hose (3) which is used for delivering the mains water to the tub (2) and for discharging the dirty water collected in the tub (2) at the end of the washing process; and a retainer (12) which enables the hose (3) to be fixed to the tub (2).