Washing Machine Impeller Latch Assembly for Tool-Free Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing washing machine designs face difficulties in disassembling the impeller due to screw fixation, which can lead to damage and a shortened service life.
Innovation Solution
A detachable impeller connection assembly using a spline and latch piece, which clamps and fixes the impeller to the rotary shaft, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without screws, thereby reducing part damage and extending the machine's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix the impeller to the rotary shaft, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the disassembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming, and parts are prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into multiple functional components: the latch body with clamping arms, the latch piece with engagement features, and the spring mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling easy disassembly by simply releasing the latch mechanism, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and easy disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static screw-fixed state to a dynamic latch-based state. The spring-loaded clamping arms can automatically adjust and maintain clamping force while allowing controlled release through the latch piece, providing both secure connection during operation and easy disassembly when needed.
2Strength
If screws are used to fix the impeller, then the connection is strong and stable, but the service life is reduced due to part damage during assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The latch piece and clamping arms are designed as wear-resistant but replaceable components. If damage occurs during operation, only these specific latch components need to be replaced rather than the entire impeller or shaft assembly, thereby extending the overall service life of the washing machine while maintaining strong connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-mechanical fastening system is replaced with a spring-loaded latch mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated screw tightening and loosening, reducing mechanical wear and damage to threaded holes in the impeller and shaft, thus extending service life while maintaining connection strength through the elastic clamping force.
3Ease of operation
If a detachable connection assembly is used instead of screws, then disassembly becomes easy and service life is prolonged, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a compact latch assembly: the latch body houses the clamping arms, the spring provides automatic clamping force, and the latch piece integrates the release mechanism and engagement features. This merging reduces the number of separate components compared to a screw system with washers, lock nuts, and alignment features, making the overall assembly less complex while enabling easy disassembly.
4Ease of manufacture
If screws are used for impeller fixation, then installation is straightforward, but the process is time-consuming and parts are easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body and clamping arms are pre-assembled and pre-tensioned with the spring during manufacturing. During installation, the impeller is simply positioned on the shaft and the latch piece is inserted to automatically engage the clamping arms, which are already in the correct position and tensioned state. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site screw tightening and alignment, reducing assembly time and preventing damage from improper installation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a washing machine. The washing machine comprises an impeller, a decelerating clutch and an impeller connection assembly, wherein the decelerating clutch has a rotary shaft; and the impeller connection assembly is clamped and clamped and fixedly connected to the rotary shaft, so that the impeller is clamped and fixedly connected to the rotary shaft in a detachable way, thereby reducing the difficulties of the assembly and disassembly of the impeller, and prolonging the service life of the washing machine.