Washing Machine Manipulation Panel Assembly with Integrated Connector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine manipulation panel assemblies require separate manufacturing processes for the display board and jog board, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a manipulation panel assembly where the display board and jog board are mechanically and electrically connected via a first connector, eliminating the need for a wire harness and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the display board and jog board are connected by a wire harness, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates both electrical connection and mechanical support functions into a single component. The connector directly couples the display board and jog board while providing electrical pathways, eliminating the need for separate wire harnesses and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection between boards, mechanical support for the jog board, and structural alignment. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the assembly process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the display board and jog board are manufactured separately, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-integrated with the display board or jog board during manufacturing, so that when the boards are assembled, the electrical and mechanical connections are already prepared. This preliminary integration simplifies the final assembly process while maintaining separate board manufacturing benefits.
3Device complexity
If the jog board is positioned close to the display board, then assembly is simplified, but indication unit brightness may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The connector extends in the thickness direction (z-axis) to bridge the gap between the display board and jog board, allowing the jog board to be positioned close to the display board for simplified assembly while maintaining adequate spacing for indication unit brightness through vertical dimension utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes: a main body including: a first tub; a washing tub rotatable inside the first tub; a laundry inlet through which laundry is loaded into the washing tub; and a door configured to open and close the laundry inlet; and a manipulation panel assembly configured to: receive a manipulation input for wash settings or spin-drying settings; and display an operation state of the washing machine. The manipulation panel assembly includes: a display board; a jog board on which a jog switch is mounted; a first connector on any one of the display board and the jog board, and coupled to the other one of the display board and the jog board; and a manipulation panel accommodating the display board and the jog board.