Washing Machine Lock-Integrated Light for Wash Chamber Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine appliances often have obscured or shadowed internal components, making it difficult for users to access and visualize the wash chamber during loading and unloading, and existing solutions require additional wiring or electrical connections for illumination.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a lock with a built-in light that is oriented to illuminate the wash chamber, utilizing a single electrical connection shared with the lock, allowing for improved visibility without additional wiring, and positioned to illuminate the wash chamber effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light is added to illuminate the wash chamber, then visibility is improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source with the lock assembly, integrating two separate functions (illumination and door locking) into a single unified component. The light is mounted within the lock housing and shares the same electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate wiring for the light and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides door locking/security functionality while simultaneously housing and powering the illumination source. This multi-functional design allows the same electrical connection to serve both the lock mechanism and the light, reducing wiring requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the wash chamber is made more accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but visibility of internal components may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light is positioned within the lock assembly so that illumination is provided in advance when the door is closed, before the user needs to access the wash chamber. This preliminary illumination helps users see internal components during loading and unloading operations without requiring the door to be opened wider or positioned differently.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance includes a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub. The basket defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The basket is positioned proximate an aperture in the cabinet and, as a result of such positioning, the wash chamber is accessible through the aperture. A door is rotatably mounted to the cabinet. A lock is configured to engage the door and prevent the door from rotating when the door is closed and the lock is locked. A light is mounted to the lock and the light is positioned and oriented to illuminate the wash chamber.