Annular Auto-Balancing Mechanism for Washing Drum Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibrations in washing machines during the spin cycle due to uneven weight distribution around the rotating shaft reduce efficiency and limit drum volume, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced laundry capacity.
Innovation Solution
An annular auto-balancing mechanism with balancing weights arranged in a circular fashion around a central axis, allowing for efficient balancing without interfering with the washing machine door and minimizing volume, thereby increasing the drum's useful capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If balancing weights are placed on a central axis, then balancing capacity is improved, but the mechanism interferes with the washing machine door and reduces drum volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a central-axis configuration to an annular configuration, moving the balancing weights from the center to the periphery of the drum. This dimensional repositioning allows the mechanism to achieve balancing capacity while occupying minimal central space, thus not interfering with the door and maximizing drum useful volume.
2Reliability
If spheres or cylinders are placed at greater radial distance to increase balancing capacity, then friction force increases and prevents appropriate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid medium in which the balancing weights operate. This fluid reduces friction between the weights and the housing walls, allowing the weights to move freely to their appropriate positions even at greater radial distances, thereby maintaining high balancing capacity without excessive friction.
3Reliability
If two balancing mechanisms are required for full balancing, then balancing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple balancing functions into a single annular mechanism. By positioning balancing weights in an annular configuration around the drum periphery, the mechanism achieves both dynamic and static balancing capabilities in one integrated system, eliminating the need for separate front and rear mechanisms.
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 annular auto-balancing mechanism effectively neutralizes vibrations, enabling higher rotational speeds, reducing energy consumption, and increasing the washing machine's laundry capacity by up to 40% while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
An annular auto-balancing mechanism functions on the principle of a number of balancing weights set in fluid and arranged in a circular fashion in an annular-shaped housing
Implementation Method 2
Due to the presence of a moment of inertia around the shaft to which they are attached, the absence of friction and a greater balancing capacity, these mechanisms are much more effective in balancing an unbalanced rotating system
Implementation Method 3
the spheres or cylinders, under the influence of centrifugal force, are pressed hard against the housing walls of these mechanisms so that the force of friction prevents the spheres from assuming the appropriate position
Data Source
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AI summary
An annular auto -balancing mechanism consisting of an annular shaped housing (1a) that is filled with fluid of specific viscosity, characterized in that its balancing weights rotate around a series of circularly set supporting axes of balancing weights (2, 2a, 3), which allows for the construction of an annular shaped mechanism, which, in turn, allows the mechanism to be installed on the front side of a drum for unobstructed opening and closing of the door of a washing machine, on the one hand, and maximal utilization of the mechanism's volume, on the other hand.