A washer/dryer comprising a shock absorber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washer/dryers experience high vibrations during the transition from washing to spin-drying, leading to noise disturbances due to the transfer of kinetic energy, which existing shock absorbers fail to absorb effectively, especially at resonance frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber system utilizing a combination of a friction element, a retainer, and neodymium magnet groups that create a magnetic repelling force to enhance damping, mimicking viscous damping characteristics without active control, allowing for adjustable friction force and smooth transition of vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single acting shock absorber with friction force adjusted for high-amplitude vibrations is used, then high-amplitude vibrations are absorbed effectively, but low-amplitude vibrations are transferred to the body without being absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber uses a dual friction element system where the first friction element provides constant friction force for high-amplitude vibrations, while the second friction element engages only when the piston reaches extreme positions during low-amplitude vibrations. This dynamic engagement of different friction elements based on vibration conditions allows the shock absorber to adapt its damping characteristics automatically without active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber changes the friction force parameter by using two different friction elements with different friction coefficients. The first friction element has a friction force optimized for high-amplitude vibrations, while the second friction element provides additional friction for low-amplitude vibrations. This parameter change is achieved through the mechanical design of the piston and friction element arrangement, allowing automatic adaptation to different vibration conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If dry friction shock absorbers are used to provide consistent effect at all vibration amplitudes, then manufacturing is simplified, but noise and vibration transmission to the body increases during spin-drying
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber transitions from static dry friction to dynamic friction control by using two friction elements that engage differently based on piston movement amplitude. During high-amplitude vibrations (washing to spin-drying transition), the first friction element provides strong damping. During low-amplitude vibrations (spin-drying), the second friction element engages to provide additional damping, reducing noise and vibration transmission while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tub and drive group vibrate at maximum amplitude during resonance region transition, then kinetic energy transfer to the body causes noise disturbances, but increasing shock absorber force to reduce vibrations increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber system is segmented into two independent friction elements instead of using a complex active control system with sensors and actuators. The first friction element handles high-amplitude vibration damping during the critical transition phase, while the second friction element handles low-amplitude vibration damping during spin-drying. This segmentation provides the necessary complexity reduction while maintaining effective vibration and noise control.
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 system effectively reduces noise and vibration transmission by increasing damping force at resonance frequencies, providing a 'soft start' effect and reducing noise during spin-drying, while maintaining low costs and mechanical simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one friction element (8) which is positioned between the cylinder (4) and the piston (5) so as to completely enclose the piston (5)
Implementation Method 2
a first magnet group (10) which is positioned in the casing (7) so as to at least partially surround the retainer (9), and a second and third magnet groups (11 and 12) which bear against the two opposite sides of the casing (7) at both sides of the retainer (9) parallel to the first magnet group (10)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washer/dryer (1) comprising a body; a tub (3) which is disposed into the body; a drum (2) which is disposed in the tub (3), which rotates around its own axis and wherein the laundry is placed; and at least one shock absorber (6) which is fixed to the tub (3) from one end and to the body from the other end, the shock absorber (6) having a cylinder (4), a piston (5) which moves linearly in the piston (4), a casing (7) which is coaxial with the cylinder (4) and the piston (5) and which at least partially surrounds both elements, at least one friction element (8) which is positioned between the cylinder (4) and the piston (5) so as to completely enclose the piston (5), a retainer (9) which prevents the friction element (8) from being detached from the piston (5).