Automatic leveling washing machine leg and washing machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines face challenges with manual leveling, which is inconvenient and inaccurate, leading to vibration and noise issues due to uneven placement, causing potential damage and reducing user comfort.

Innovation Solution

A support system with automatic leveling function using a hydraulic medium-filled flexible body assembly that adjusts the washing machine's position based on pressure differences, ensuring stability and reducing manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual leveling regulation is used, then the washing machine can be leveled, but user operation is extremely inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling operation convenienceVSAvoidleveling adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic leveling by enabling the washing machine to self-regulate its level through sensors and control systems that automatically adjust the support legs, eliminating the need for manual intervention and allowing the device to service itself during the leveling process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors to detect level and motorized actuators to adjust support leg positions, substituting human operation with an automated electromechanical system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual leveling is performed, then the washing machine can be positioned, but regulation accuracy is poor leading to out-of-flat placement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling precisionVSAvoidleveling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates level sensors that continuously monitor the washing machine's orientation and provide feedback to the control system, which then makes precise adjustments to the support legs to achieve and maintain accurate leveling, creating a closed-loop control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces imprecise manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical system that uses electronic sensors for precise level detection and motorized actuators for accurate position control, achieving superior leveling precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the washing machine is not properly leveled, then vibration and noise occur during operation, but this causes damage and shortens service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing machine service lifeVSAvoidvibration and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs automatic leveling before the washing machine begins operation, ensuring the device is properly positioned and stabilized in advance to prevent vibration and noise during the washing cycle, thereby protecting the machine from damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses level sensors to continuously monitor the washing machine's positioning and provides real-time feedback to the control system, which adjusts the support legs to maintain optimal level and prevent harmful vibrations during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If bolt supports are used for leveling, then the washing machine can be supported, but the supports can loosen under vibration causing supporting failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidsupport fastening strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple mechanical bolt supports with an automated electromechanical adjustment system that uses motorized actuators to precisely control support leg positions and incorporates locking mechanisms that prevent loosening under vibration, maintaining stable support throughout operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The automatic leveling system effectively stabilizes the washing machine, reduces vibration and noise, and extends its service life by maintaining optimal positioning during use.

Implementation Method 1

A flexible body assembly, which is arranged in the regulating mechanism and accommodates a hydraulic medium; one end of the flexible body assembly is limited and arranged in the sheath, another end is a stretchable end which acts on the regulating mechanism, the stretchable end expands and contracts under the action of the hydraulic medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3502340B1Automatic leveling washing machine leg and washing machine
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3502340B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3502340B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3502340B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A support for washing machine with automatic leveling function and a washing machine are provided. The support for washing machine comprises: a sheath (500); a regulating mechanism (300), which is arranged in the sheath (500) and is axially movable relative to the sheath; and a flexible body assembly (200), which is arranged in the regulating mechanism (300) and accommodates a hydraulic medium. One end of the flexible body assembly (200) is limited and arranged in the sheath (500), another end is a stretchable end which acts on the regulating mechanism (300). The stretchable end expands and contracts under the action of the hydraulic medium and drives the regulating mechanism (300) to move axially for automatic leveling. The flexible body assembly (200) comprises a flexible accommodating body, a mounting assembly for mounting the flexible accommodating body, and a protection mechanism provided between the mounting assembly and the flexible accommodating body for protecting the flexible accommodating body. The flexible body assembly (200) is limited and arranged in the sheath (500) to avoid any damage to the flexible body assembly (200). In addition, the arrangement of the protection mechanism avoids the flexible accommodating body from directly contacting with the mounting assembly which greatly reduces the chance of breakage of the flexible accommodating body and extends the service life.