Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines have a segmented exterior appearance due to lines between upper and lower portions, which detracts from their aesthetic appeal and exposes screw members and gaps, compromising both esthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A seamless front cover extending from the top to the bottom frame, coupled using elastic hooks and filler portions to eliminate visible lines and gaps, enhancing esthetics and structural integrity while minimizing screw exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a segmented front frame structure is used with separate upper and lower portions, then the manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the exterior appearance is compromised with visible lines and reduced esthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the upper and lower front frame portions into a single integrated front cover structure. This unified design eliminates the visible partition line between upper and lower sections, creating a seamless exterior appearance while maintaining the functional benefits of modular construction through internal coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The front cover is segmented into multiple functional sections (upper portion, lower portion, side portions) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled using coupling structures. This allows for simplified manufacturing of individual sections while achieving an integrated appearance when assembled, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and exterior appearance.
2Strength
If screw members are used to attach the front cover, then the structural strength is improved, but the screw members are exposed to the outside compromising esthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the visible exterior by using coupling structures that hide screw members inside the front cover assembly. The coupling structures allow screws to be positioned internally where they provide structural strength without being exposed to the outside, thus maintaining both strength and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure acts as an intermediary between the front cover and the main body, providing a hidden mechanism that secures the front cover with screw members while keeping these fasteners invisible from the exterior. This mediator allows the screw members to fulfill their structural function without compromising the aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of operation
If gaps are left between the front cover and bending portions for assembly tolerance, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the gaps are exposed to the outside reducing esthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different regions: the coupling structures are designed with tolerance for assembly gaps in hidden areas, while the exterior surfaces maintain tight, gap-free finishes. This local differentiation allows easy assembly where gaps are acceptable while preserving aesthetic appearance where gaps would be visible.
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling structures serve as intermediaries that accommodate assembly tolerances and gaps internally, while presenting a seamless exterior surface. These mediators absorb the dimensional variations needed for easy assembly without allowing gaps to appear on the visible exterior surfaces.
4Shape
If the front cover is made as a single integrated piece, then the exterior appearance is enhanced without lines, but the assembly and transportation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The front cover is segmented into manufacturable sections that can be produced separately and then assembled using coupling structures. This segmentation enables easier manufacturing and assembly of individual parts while the coupling mechanisms create the appearance of a single integrated piece, resolving the contradiction between unified appearance and ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structures are nested within the front cover assembly, with one portion inserted into another to create a unified appearance. This nesting approach allows multiple parts to be assembled together while presenting as a single integrated component from the exterior, maintaining both aesthetic appearance and assembly ease.
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 creates a unified exterior appearance, improves esthetic appeal, reinforces structural strength, and facilitates easy assembly and transportation of the washing machine while preventing water permeation and enhancing control button durability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic hook that protrudes from the panel portion rearward so that the front cover may be detachably coupled to the side frames
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a washing machine including: a cabinet including a plurality of side frames, a back frame, a top frame and a bottom frame; a front frame that is disposed in front of the cabinet and includes an internal laundry port through which laundry is put into a rotating tub, and a front cover that is disposed in front of the front frame, extends from the top frame to the bottom frame, includes an external laundry port corresponding to the internal laundry port and is integrally formed. Thus, no line is formed in a front side of the washing machine so that the exterior of the washing machine can be enhanced.