Weight Device With Integrated Fluid Drainage for Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight devices for washing machines interfere with fluid drainage due to their design, either requiring separation or reduced thickness, compromising stability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A weight device with an integrated fluid channel within the weight body, allowing for continuous weight and drainage functionality without separation, using a fluid tube and positioning ribs for stability and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a weight device is provided surrounding the circular access opening to stabilize the washing drum, then the stability of the washing machine is improved, but the fluid drainage path is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid channel is nested within the weight body, allowing the drainage tube to be positioned inside the weight device rather than outside. This nesting approach enables both the weight function and fluid drainage function to coexist in the same spatial region without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid channel extends in the radial direction through the weight body, utilizing the thickness dimension of the weight device to create a drainage path. This dimensional approach allows fluid drainage without compromising the circumferential stability provided by the weight device.
2Ease of operation
If the weight device is separated into several parts to provide space for the guiding tube, then the fluid drainage is enabled, but the weight and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The weight device and fluid channel are merged into a single integrated component. The weight body itself contains the fluid channel, eliminating the need for separate parts and maintaining the full weight and stability of the unified weight device while enabling fluid drainage.
3Ease of operation
If the weight device is made with reduced thickness to create a groove for the fluid tube, then the fluid drainage is enabled, but the weight and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid channel is nested within the full-thickness weight body, utilizing the existing thickness rather than reducing it. This allows the weight device to maintain its full weight and stability while still providing a pathway for fluid drainage through the integrated channel.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is related to a weight device (10) for increasing stability of a washing drum (110) of a washing machine (100), comprising a weight body (20) with a mounting interface (22) to be mounted at a counter-mounting-interface (122) of the washing machine (100), in particular a washing tub (160) of the washing machine (100), in a position at least partly surrounding an access opening (130) of the washing machine (100) providing access to the washing drum (110), characterised in that at least one fluid channel (30) is formed inside of the weight body (20) having a channel inlet (32) for fluid communication with a fluid source (140) of the washing machine (100) and a channel outlet (34) for fluid communication with a fluid drainage (150) of the washing machine (100).