Compact Vibration Isolator Structure for Washer Pump Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration isolation methods in appliances like laundry washing machines require significant space and material volume to effectively reduce noise from pump vibrations, which is not feasible in modern designs with limited space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A vibration isolator comprising a unitary component with longitudinal spacing elements and a flange with ridges to reduce contact area, using incompressible materials like plastics to minimize noise transmission without increasing spatial volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressible rubber or elastomeric washers or spacers are used to reduce transmitted vibrations, then vibration isolation effectiveness is improved, but the axial spacing between the pump/bracket and the base of the outer bowl must be increased to a sufficiently large value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from compressible rubber/elastomer to incompressible plastic material. This fundamental material parameter change allows the vibration isolator to achieve effective vibration isolation with a much shorter axial length, resolving the contradiction between isolation effectiveness and spatial requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining an incompressible plastic body with integrated compressible elastomeric elements. This composite approach allows the rigid plastic to provide structural support and vibration path alteration while the elastomeric elements provide the necessary damping, achieving effective isolation in a compact form.
2Reliability
If dampers comprising a solid crush tube surrounded by compressible rubber or elastomeric material disk are used, then vibration damping is achieved, but the outer diameter and axial length become relatively large, taking up significant spatial volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting bracket and vibration isolator into a single integrated component. The vibration isolator is directly formed as part of the mounting bracket structure, eliminating the need for separate crush tubes and elastomeric disks. This integration dramatically reduces the overall spatial volume while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the vibration isolating function within the mounting bracket structure itself. The isolator is nested into the bracket design, with elastomeric elements positioned within the plastic structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes external dimensions.
3Reliability
If compressible rubber or elastomeric washers or spacers with large volume are used, then acceptable vibration isolation is achieved, but space within the cabinet is wasted and the distance between components must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from compressible rubber to incompressible plastic, fundamentally altering the space requirements. The plastic material maintains vibration isolation effectiveness while occupying significantly less axial space, thereby improving cabinet space utilization and component packing density.
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 solution effectively reduces audible noise from pump vibrations by altering the vibration path and frequency response, achieving comparable noise reduction to conventional rubber dampers while conserving space and material.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration isolator comprising: a plurality of longitudinal spacing elements arranged with their longitudinal dimension in a common plane about a central space
Implementation Method 2
the at least one ridge of the first or second surface of the flange is adapted to present a reduced contact area to a surface of the second object or to a surface of the head of the fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration isolator suitable for isolating and/or dampening vibrations generated in a vibrating machinery component such as a motor or pump so as to minimise the unwanted effects (such as audible secondary sounds) of those vibrations. The isolator may be installed in a home appliance such as a laundry washing machine and may be a separate, unitary component installed between a motor/pump and the structure of the laundry machine or may be installed between a mounting bracket of the motor/pump and the laundry machine. Alternatively, the isolator may be integrally formed with a pump/motor mounting bracket, on upper and/or lower surfaces of a mounting flange. The isolator is preferably formed from a substantially incompressible material and in one preferred embodiment has a washer-like form with a central opening at least partially surrounded by a tubular ridge with a plurality of radial projections extending outwardly and/or inwardly from outer/inner surface(s) of the tubular ridge.