Washing Machine Lid Hinge with Snap-Fit Tabs for Quick Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical fasteners for washing machine lids are time-consuming to install and remove, and may not provide a sturdy connection during spin cycles, leading to vibration issues.
Innovation Solution
A hinge system with a shaft, housing, and connecting member that allows for easy attachment and detachment of the lid, featuring a snap-fit connection with tabs and sockets, and a damping fluid reservoir to minimize slamming and facilitate self-closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical fasteners (screws or bolts) are used to attach the lid to the cabinet, then a sturdy and reliable connection is provided during spin cycles, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into separate components: a hinge body mounted to the cabinet, and a connecting member with tabs that engage with sockets in the lid. This segmentation allows the lid to be quickly attached and detached without removing multiple fasteners, while still providing a reliable connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional screw or bolt mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit engagement system using tabs and sockets. This substitution maintains connection reliability during spin cycles while dramatically reducing the time required for installation and removal operations.
2Reliability
If conventional mechanical fasteners are used to attach the lid, then a robust connection is achieved, but the attachment mechanism becomes complex and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the hinge body, the connecting member, tabs, and sockets. This segmentation simplifies the overall assembly process compared to traditional multi-fastener systems, as the lid connection is achieved through a single snap-fit operation rather than multiple fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanism of multiple screws or bolts is replaced with a simple tab-socket snap-fit system. This substitution reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining connection robustness, making the attachment mechanism easier to assemble and maintain.
3Ease of repair
If the lid is quickly detachable from the cabinet, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the connection strength during spin cycles may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connecting member includes multiple tabs that engage with corresponding sockets in the lid, distributing the connection forces across multiple engagement points. This segmented engagement approach allows for quick detachment while maintaining strong connection during spin cycles through the combined strength of multiple tab-socket interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft of the hinge is configured with a cylindrical geometry that rotates within the hinge body, providing smooth rotational movement while maintaining consistent engagement. This curved rotational interface ensures reliable connection during the dynamic conditions of spin cycles while allowing easy attachment and detachment.
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 hinge system enables quick and secure attachment/detachment of the lid, reduces assembly forces, and provides a robust connection during spin cycles, ensuring reliable operation and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a damping fluid reservoir to minimize slamming and facilitate self-closing
Implementation Method 2
The connecting member includes a spring and a resilient arm that extends from the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine lid and a hinge for attaching the washing machine lid. The washing machine includes a cabinet and a rotatable lid. A hinge rotatably connects the lid to a top panel or front panel of the cabinet. The hinge includes a shaft, a housing defining a cavity for receiving an end of the shaft, and a connecting member extending from the housing such that the housing and the connecting member are rotatable around the shaft. The connecting member includes one or more tabs. The lid includes a pocket, the pocket receives the hinge, the pocket defines one or more sockets for receiving the one or more tabs, and the one or more tabs are biased into engagement with the one or more sockets.