Washing Tub Lifter Coupling Structure for Centrifugal Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Front-loading washing machines with separate lifters and washing tubs experience deformation due to accumulated centrifugal stress at the coupling region, leading to manufacturing complexities and increased production costs, as well as potential structural issues over time.
Innovation Solution
A front-loading washing machine design featuring a lifter coupled to the washing tub through locking holes and fastening bosses, with a locking member and locking hole configuration that disperses stress and prevents deformation, including a locking member with an erect and inclined portion and a locking hole with bilateral symmetry and rounded corners to reduce stress concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the washing tub and lifter are provided as a single body, then manufacturing is simplified, but the centrifugal force causes noticeable deformation of the washing tub or lifter
Solution Approach 1:
The washing tub and lifter are divided into separate components that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together, allowing each part to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall deformation under centrifugal force
2Shape
If the washing tub and lifter are separately provided and coupled, then deformation is reduced, but stress accumulation in the coupling region causes deformation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hole is designed with rounded corners instead of sharp angles, which distributes stress more evenly around the coupling region and prevents stress concentration that would lead to deformation over time
Solution Approach 2:
The locking hole geometry is specifically optimized with rounded corners at critical stress points while maintaining the functional requirements of the coupling, creating localized stress distribution improvements where needed most
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional locking hole design is used, then assembly is simple, but stress concentration occurs leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Rounded corners in the locking hole design eliminate sharp angles that would concentrate stress, distributing mechanical loads more uniformly across the coupling region while maintaining manufacturing and assembly simplicity
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 design effectively disperses stress on the washing tub, reducing the likelihood of deformation and simplifying manufacturing by reducing the size of the locking hole, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and longevity of the washing machine.
Implementation Method 1
as the front-loading washing machine operates, the washing tub increases a spinning speed and also increases in centrifugal force. When the lifter and the washing tub are provided as the single body, the centrifugal force causes the lifter or the washing tub to be noticeably deformed.
Implementation Method 2
the locking hole including a first edge to which the locking member is locked to couple the lifter and the washing tub, and a second edge and a third edge adjacent to opposite ends of the first edge and surrounding the locking member to face with each other
Implementation Method 3
the lifter includes a fastening boss protruding from a bottom of the lifter, and the washing tub includes a fastening hole to be fastened with the fastening boss by a screw
Data Source
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AI summary
A front-loading washing machine includes a housing; a washing tub including one or more locking holes on a lateral side; and one or more lifters lifting up laundry based on spinning of the washing tub. The lifter includes a locking member passing through the locking hole, bent at an outside of the washing tub and extended in a spinning axis direction of the washing tub. The locking hole includes a first edge to which the locking member is locked to couple the lifter and the washing tub, and a second edge and a third edge adjacent to opposite ends of the first edge and surrounding the locking member to face with each other.