Washing Machine Magnetic Coupler Actuation to Prevent Height Increase
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in preventing an increase in height due to the addition of a coupler, which is required for selectively rotating the drum and pulsator, leading to user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A coupler moving device is implemented using a magnetic field to move the coupler without direct contact, minimizing height increase, and a first element forms a magnetic field to interact with a second element on the coupler, allowing for rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coupler is added to selectively rotate the drum and pulsator, then the washing machine can perform selective rotation operations, but the height of the washing machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler moves along the spin-drying shaft in the axial direction (another dimension) to achieve engagement/disengagement with the rotor, rather than increasing height vertically. This allows the coupler to selectively transmit rotational force between the motor assembly and drum/pulsator without increasing the overall height of the washing machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is positioned within the motor assembly structure, nested between the rotor and the drum assembly. The first element is disposed within the coupler, and the magnetic field generation occurs within this nested configuration, allowing the coupling mechanism to occupy minimal space while maintaining selective rotation functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a coupler is added to selectively rotate the drum and pulsator, then the washing machine can perform selective rotation operations, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling mechanism is replaced with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The first element generates a magnetic field that interacts with the second element to move the coupler along the spin-drying shaft, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, springs, or actuators that would traditionally be required to achieve the same coupling/disengagement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the primary driving force for rotation, generates the magnetic field for coupler actuation, and transmits rotational force to both the drum and pulsator through the coupler mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If the coupler is moved using direct contact mechanisms, then the coupler can be positioned accurately, but the height of the washing machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
Direct contact mechanical actuation mechanisms (such as cam-follower systems, rack-and-pinion, or linkages) that would require significant vertical space are replaced with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The magnetic field generated by the first element acts on the second element to move the coupler along the spin-drying shaft, achieving precise positioning without increasing the height of the washing machine.
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 solution effectively moves the coupler while maintaining a compact design, preventing damage and ensuring smooth operation of the washing machine components without increasing its height.
Implementation Method 1
the first element may include a coil configured to form a magnetic field in response to application of a current to the coil, and the second element may be movable to be close to or away from the first element by the magnetic field formed by the coil
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes treating apparatus including a housing; a tub inside the housing; a drum configured to be rotated inside the tub; a spin-drying shaft connected to the drum; a motor assembly including a rotor configured to be rotated; a coupler: a first element; and a second element inside the coupler, wherein the coupler is positionable in a first position in which the coupler is coupled to the spin-drying shaft and the rotor, the coupler is positionable in a second position in which the coupler is coupled to the spin-drying shaft and disengaged from the rotor, and with the coupler being positioned in the second position, the first element and the second element are configured to interact to move the second element away from the first element and thereby move the coupler from the second position to the first position.