Tub for a washing mashine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing washing machine tub assembly process is inefficient due to increased manufacturing time, high component costs, and risk of water leakage, primarily caused by the complex configuration of gaskets and fastening members, which also leads to misassembly issues and reduced fastening force over time.
Innovation Solution
A tub design featuring a cylindrical shape with a welding process that uses a dual coupling structure of main-coupling and sub-coupling protrusions, along with connection ribs and a blocking protrusion to prevent flash from entering the washing space, ensuring a strong and leak-proof seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the first case and second case are coupled by fastening members through holes with a gasket, then the tub can be assembled, but the number of working hours for assembling increases and manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (fastening members through holes) with a welding process that directly joins the first case and second case. The welding process eliminates the need for pre-drilled holes and fastening operations, transforming the assembly from a multi-step mechanical process to a more efficient welding-based joining method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coupling protrusion formation and sealing functions into a single integrated structure. The coupling protrusion is formed directly on the first case and couples with a corresponding coupling recess on the second case, combining the fastening and sealing functions into one unified coupling mechanism that eliminates separate gaskets and fastening members.
2Ease of manufacture
If the tub is coupled by fastening members and gasket, then the cases can be joined, but the cost of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (gaskets and fastening members) from the coupling system. By using direct welding to join the first case and second case, the design removes these additional components entirely, reducing component costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (fastening, sealing, and structural joining) into a single welding process and integrated coupling structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate gaskets and fastening members, reducing the total quantity of components required and thereby reducing overall component costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If fastening members and gasket are used, then the cases can be coupled, but the tub may be easily misassembled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric coupling features where the coupling protrusion on the first case has a specific shape that corresponds to a matching coupling recess on the second case. This asymmetric design ensures that the cases can only be assembled in the correct orientation, preventing misassembly while maintaining ease of the manufacturing process.
4Strength
If fastening force is reduced or gasket is aged, then the coupling may fail, but water leakage occurs between the first case and second case
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening and sealing system (fastening members and gaskets subject to aging and force reduction) with a welding-based joining system. Welding creates a permanent, strong bond that is not subject to the same degradation mechanisms as mechanical fasteners and gaskets, thereby maintaining both fastening force and sealing integrity over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fastening and sealing functions into a single welded joint. The welding process creates an integrated connection that simultaneously provides both mechanical strength and sealing, eliminating the separate gasket layer that can age and fail. This unified approach ensures that fastening force and sealing integrity are maintained together without the reliability issues of separate components.
5Volume of stationary object
If the tub size is maximized, then the washing capacity increases, but the coupling structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tub into two separate cases (first case and second case) that can be manufactured independently and then joined through welding. This segmentation allows each case to be optimized for manufacturing and assembly, while the welding process provides a simple yet effective joining method that does not add significant complexity to the overall coupling structure.
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
This design enables faster assembly, reduces manufacturing costs, enhances the sealing integrity, and prevents water leakage by providing a robust coupling mechanism that withstands external impacts and welding processes, while maximizing the tub's size and washing capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a first coupling surface which is formed along an entire periphery of an opened end portion of the first case and extending radially outward along the outer periphery of the first case; a second coupling surface which is formed along a periphery of an opened end portion of the second case facing the first case and extending radially outward along the outer periphery of the second case; the second coupling surface being bonded to the first coupling surface by welding
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet in which space is formed; a tub which is provided inside the cabinet to form a washing space in which washing water is filled; and a drum which is rotatably provided in the washing space and in which laundry is received, in which the tub includes a first case and a second case which are coupled to each other to form the washing space; a first coupling surface which is formed along a periphery of an opened end portion of the first case; a second coupling surface which is formed along a periphery of an opened end portion of the second case facing the first case, the second coupling surface being bonded to the first coupling surface by welding; and a coupling protrusion which is formed so as to protrude along the first coupling surface and in which a protruding end portion is welded to the second coupling surface, and in which the coupling protrusion includes a main-coupling protrusion which protrudes along the first coupling surface; and a sub-coupling protrusion which protrudes in parallel with the main-coupling protrusion at a position spaced apart from the main-coupling protrusion.