Damper assembly and machine for such a damper assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack the ability to effectively and variably dampen the relative movement between components in machines, particularly in washing machines, limiting the control and adjustment of damping effects.
Innovation Solution
A damper assembly with a regulation unit and determination unit that allows for active, variable damping by integrating a damper between movable components, utilizing friction or hydraulic mechanisms, and sensors to adjust damping based on input variables, including a freewheel function and electromagnetic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a passive damper is used to dampen relative movement between components, then the damping effect is simple and reliable, but the damping effect cannot be adjusted or regulated
Solution Approach 1:
The damper system transitions from a static passive damper to a dynamic active damper with adjustable damping characteristics. The regulation unit modifies the damping effect in real-time based on feedback from the determination unit, enabling the system to adapt to varying operational conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the damping parameter dynamically by using an active damper with a regulation unit that can adjust the damping coefficient based on measured input variables. This allows the damping effect to be varied without fundamentally changing the damper's physical structure, thus managing complexity while improving adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If an active regulation system is added to the damper, then the damping effect can be regulated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation unit receives input variables from the determination unit (such as vibration sensors, acceleration sensors, or motor characteristic variables) and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the damping effect. This closed-loop control system simplifies operation as the damping adjusts automatically based on measured conditions, while the complexity is managed through efficient sensor integration and control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper system performs self-adjustment by using its own operational data (vibration, acceleration, motor characteristics) to regulate its damping effect without requiring external manual intervention. This self-service capability improves ease of operation while minimizing the complexity of external control systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and regulation units are integrated, then the damping precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation unit is designed to handle multiple input variables from different sensor types (vibration sensors, acceleration sensors, motor characteristic variables) through a universal control interface. This multi-functionality allows precise damping control based on various measured parameters while simplifying the manufacturing process by using a standardized regulation unit that can process different sensor inputs without requiring custom integration for each sensor type.
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
Enables precise and adaptive damping of vibrations and movements, enhancing the operational stability and reliability of machines by actively adjusting damping effects in response to input variables, ensuring efficient vibration control.
Implementation Method 1
The damping effect can be, for example, frictional damping or hydraulic damping
Implementation Method 2
The damping effect can be, for example, frictional damping or hydraulic damping
Implementation Method 3
utilizing friction or hydraulic mechanisms, and sensors to adjust damping based on input variables, including a freewheel function and electromagnetic control
Data Source
AI summary
A damper assembly, in particular for a washing machine, comprises at least one damper which causes a damping effect, in particular an active damper, which can be arranged between two components of the washing machine which are movable relative to one another and can each be connected thereto, a regulation unit which is in signal communication with the damper and is intended to regulate the damping effect of the damper, at least one determination unit, which is in signal communication with the regulation unit, for determining at least one input variable, wherein the regulation unit is designed to transmit a regulation signal to the damper in dependence on the at least one input variable, the damper is designed to variably define its damping effect in dependence on the regulation signal. In addition to the at least one active damper, at least one passive damper can be provided.