Washing Trolley Coupling Bushing for Stable Hydraulic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washer machines experience unstable hydraulic and mechanical connections between the trolley and the washing liquid feed circuit, leading to liquid leakage and pressure drops, which reduce efficiency and increase energy waste, and prevent the use of packing members due to direct mechanical interference.
Innovation Solution
A device with an actuator unit and motion conversion mechanism that stably positions connection bushings to ensure reliable mechanical and hydraulic coupling, preventing unwanted movement and allowing for the use of packing members, maintaining consistent pressure and reducing energy waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connection bushing with an elastic spring is used to allow trolley insertion, then the trolley can be easily inserted into the washing chamber, but the connection becomes unstable under pump pressure causing liquid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection bushing is made mobile rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. It can move radially outward to engage with the connection member during operation, and retract radially inward to allow trolley insertion, adapting its state based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The connection bushing is positioned in advance in a retracted state before trolley insertion, and then actively moved to an engaged state before the pump activates. This preliminary positioning ensures the connection is established before pressure builds up, preventing leakage
2Reliability
If the connection bushing is constantly protruding to ensure connection, then hydraulic connection is maintained, but it prevents direct mechanical action and causes rapid deterioration of packing members
Solution Approach 1:
The connection bushing transitions from a static constantly protruding position to a dynamic system that retracts during trolley insertion and only protrudes when needed for hydraulic connection, reducing cumulative friction on packing members
Solution Approach 2:
The connection bushing operates in periodic cycles: retracted during insertion/removal phases, and protruding only during the washing phase when hydraulic connection is needed. This periodic engagement reduces wear compared to continuous contact
3Ease of operation
If the connection bushing is allowed to move under pump pressure, then trolley positioning is facilitated, but connection stability is lost causing liquid loss and pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The connection bushing is actively positioned in the engaged state before the pump starts, ensuring the hydraulic connection is established in advance. This prevents the connection from collapsing under pressure and eliminates the need for the pump to work against leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the pump pressure to maintain connection stability. When pressure increases, the already-engaged connection bushing remains stable due to its positioned state, and the system can detect and correct any minor deviations to maintain optimal connection
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 ensures a stable hydraulic connection, preventing liquid leakage and pressure drops, optimizing the efficiency of washing liquid delivery and allowing for the use of packing members to enhance the hydraulic seal, thus improving the overall washing quality and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least an actuator unit which is configured to selectively command the stable positioning of said at least one connection bushing
Implementation Method 2
a connection bushing provided with a spring which renders it elastically yielding, and is able to be selectively moved axially
Implementation Method 3
when the pump is activated, the pressure of the washing liquid has a negative influence on the positioning of the connection bushing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device (10) according to the present invention can be used for the hydraulic and mechanical connection of a distributor circuit (14) of washing liquid of a trolley (18) carrying objects to be washed to a feed circuit (12) of a washing liquid for a washer machine ( 16) for objects. The washer machine ( 16) provides a washing chamber (26) in which to position the trolley (18) which has at least a lateral wall (15) with respect to the direction of insertion of the trolley (18) into the washing chamber (26). The device (10) comprises a connection member (22) of the distributor circuit (14), a corresponding delivery or coupling mouth (24) of the feed circuit (12) provided on said lateral wall (15) and at least a connection bushing (20) associable on one side to the connection member (22) of the distributor circuit (14) and on the other side to a corresponding delivery or coupling mouth (24) of the feed circuit (12) that faces inside a washing chamber (26) of the washer machine (16), so as to determine the mechanical and hydraulic connection between feed circuit (12) and distributor circuit (14). The device (10) comprises at least an actuator unit (30) that selectively cooperates with said at least one connection bushing (20), and is configured to act in a first drive direction (F, F, F", F"'). The cooperation between actuator unit (30) and said at least one connection bushing (20) is determined by means of a motion conversion mechanism (32, 132), associated both with the actuator unit (30) and also with said at least one connection bushing (20), which is configured to transform the action of the actuator unit (30) in the first direction (F, F', F", F''') into an alternate movement of said at least one connection bushing (20) in a second drive direction (G, G') from and toward the trolley (18), different from said first direction (F, F', F", F''').