Washing Machine Technical Description 

Woodjerson Varice 

City College of New York

Outline of Contents:

I. Introduction

A. History of washing machines

II. Body

A. Exterior Parts

1. Control Panel

2. Door

3. Detergent Dispenser

B. Interior Parts

1. Drum

2. Agitator

3. Pump

C. Electrical Components

1. Motor

2. Timer

3. Wiring

III. How a Washing Machine Functions

IV. Conclusion

V. References

Introduction:

Washing machines have become an essential part of everyday life. Before the creation of washing machines, people used to wash their clothes by hand. Which was a time-consuming and a tedious task. In the following technical description, I will explain all the parts that make up a washing machine and what their purpose is in the washing machine.  In addition to that I will talk about the innovators who brought this technology to the masses.  The description will be layered out just as it is presented in the outline of contents.

The creation of the washing machine Is not entirely dependent on one inventor due to the fact that multiple people provided innovations that led to the eventual creation of the modern-day washing machine. For example, James’s king in 1851 created the first Washing machine which uses a drum instead of an engine and lacks other attributes that other that modern day washing machines have. 

Exterior Parts:

Control Panel:

The control panel is the interface that allows the user to operate the washing machine. It has  various buttons and dials that control the different  parts of the machine, such as the wash cycle, water temperature, and spin speed. 

Figure 1: Washing machine control panel.  

Door:

The door is the access point to the washing machine’s drum,  The opening left when the door is opened is where the clothes are loaded and unloaded. It is usually made with metal and tempered glass to allow the user to see the washing process. Figure 2 shows a typical washing machine door.

Figure 2: Washing machine door. 

Detergent Dispenser:

The detergent dispenser is where the user adds detergent or other liquid used for washing to the washing machine. It can either be a drawer or a compartment that is built into the machine. Figure 3 shows a typical detergent dispenser.

Figure 3: Washing machine detergent dispenser.

B. Interior Parts:

Drum:

The drum is the cylindrical container inside the washing machine where the clothes are placed. It rotates during the washing process to agitate and clean the clothes. Figure 4 shows a typical washing machine drum.

Figure 4: Washing machine drum. 

Agitator:

The agitator is a mechanism inside the drum that helps to move the clothes around during the washing process. It consists of fins or paddles that rotate back and forth to create a washing motion. Sometimes the agitator can be outside the drum.  Figure 5 shows a typical washing machine agitator.

Figure 5: Washing machine agitator.

Pump:

The pump is responsible for draining the water out of the washing machine after the washing process is complete and for circulation of water during the washing process . It is usually located at the bottom of the machine and is connected to the drainage hose. The pump is powered by the motor and works by creating a vacuum to pull the water out of the machine. 

Figure 6 shows a typical washing machine pump.

C. Electrical Components:

Motor:

The motor is the component that drives the washing machine’s drum and agitator. It converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to rotate the drum and agitator. Figure 7 shows a typical washing machine motor.

Figure 7: Washing machine motor.

 Source: 

Timer:

The timer is the component that controls the different phases of the washing process, such as the wash cycle, rinse cycle, and spin cycle. It also controls the duration of each cycle. Figure 8 shows a typical washing machine timer.

Figure 8: Washing machine timer.

Wiring:

Wiring connects all the electrical components of the washing machine, such as the motor, timer, and control panel. It allows the flow of electricity from the power source to the different components. Figure 9 shows typical washing machine wiring.

Figure 9: Washing machine wiring. 

III. How a Washing Machine Functions:

A washing machine works by filling the drum with water and detergent, agitating the clothes to remove dirt and stains, draining the water, and spinning the drum to remove excess water from the clothes. The user selects the appropriate wash cycle, water temperature, and spin speed through the control panel. The temperature of the water and the detergent play a big part in the cleaning process. The timer controls the different phases of the washing process. The motor drives the drum and agitator, while the pump drains the water after the washing process is complete.

IV. Conclusion:

In conclusion, washing machines have revolutionized the way we do laundry. They have made the task of washing clothes easier and more convenient. The different parts and components of a washing machine work together to provide a seamless washing experience.

Reference:

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Washing machine door by Victor de Schwanberg/science photo library. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://sciencephotogallery.com/featured/switch.html?catalogid=c0141248

Kyle, A. (2022, February 28). LG Washer not dispensing soap. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://midamericaappliancerepair.com/blog/lg-washer-not-dispensing-soap/

Hotpoint washing machine drum tub genuine. (2019, January 02). Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.ebay.com/itm/162843137193

Alan, & Alan. (2021, September 27). How to fix Whirlpool Washer Agitator. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from http://madebyalan.com/washer-agitator-repair/

Washing machine timer – FSP 3955668 – maytag M520. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.ebay.com/itm/174878144485

Washing machine wiring with 7 Wire Timer! 7 wire wash timer! 7 wire timer connection in 2023: Washing Machine, Wire Switch, timer. (2022, December 03). Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/689754499196934400/

Hisense Washing Machine Motor : HC-200L WSHC005. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.buyspares.com/washing-machine-motor-hc-200l-wshc005/product.pl?pid=5246826

Nice, K. (2000, October 31). How washing machines work. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://home.howstuffworks.com/washer4.htm