Condensing Duct Assembly for Compact Washer-Dryers With Vibration Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of drum washing machines with drying functions is hindered by the need for separate spaces for the drying and condensing ducts, which increases the machine's size and allows vibration to be directly transmitted to the cabinet, requiring additional durability measures.
Innovation Solution
An improved assembly structure where the condensing duct is closely adhered to the tub with a coupling protrusion and a buffer coupling member, composed of a flexible hose with wrinkle portions, is used to couple the drying duct to the cabinet, absorbing vibrations and preventing their transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the condensing duct and drying duct are assembled to a cabinet, then vibration delivery is minimized, but a separate space is needed increasing machine size
Solution Approach 1:
The condensing duct is integrated directly to the tub rather than being assembled to the cabinet, merging the duct support structure with the tub structure. This eliminates the need for separate assembly space while the buffer coupling member still effectively minimizes vibration delivery to the cabinet.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer coupling member is introduced as an intermediary between the condensing duct and the tub. This flexible coupling member absorbs vibrations generated by the drum rotation, preventing direct transmission to the cabinet while allowing the compact integrated design.
2Ease of manufacture
If the condensing duct and drying duct are assembled to a tub, then assembly space is easy to secure, but vibration is directly delivered to the cabinet requiring additional durability measures
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer coupling member serves as a vibration-absorbing intermediary between the condensing duct (assembled to the tub) and the tub itself. This maintains the manufacturing ease of direct tub assembly while introducing vibration damping capability without requiring additional durability measures on the cabinet.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer coupling member changes the mechanical parameters of the connection by introducing flexibility and vibration damping characteristics. This allows the condensing duct to be firmly assembled to the tub for ease of manufacture while transforming the vibration transmission characteristics to protect the cabinet.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate spaces are provided for drying duct and condensing duct, then assembly is simplified, but miniaturization of the machine becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The condensing duct is merged with the tub structure through direct assembly, eliminating the need for a separate assembly space. The drying duct remains separately assembled to the cabinet, maintaining assembly simplicity for that component while enabling miniaturization through the integrated condensing duct design.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensing duct is positioned and assembled in a different spatial dimension directly to the tub structure, utilizing vertical or radial space rather than requiring separate horizontal assembly space. This dimensional reorganization enables compact integration without complicating the assembly process.
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
This configuration allows for a more compact design by reducing the space needed for duct assembly, minimizing vibration delivery, and enhancing the machine's durability without increasing its overall size, thereby increasing the drum's capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer coupling member (30) configured to couple the drying duct (20) to the condensing duct (40) and buffer a vibration of the drum washing machine (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A drum washing machine (1) including a cabinet (2), a tub (3) disposed at an inside of the cabinet, a drum (4) rotatively disposed at an inside of the tub (3), a condensing duct (40) configured to condense moisture in air that is introduced from an inside of the drum (4), and a drying duct (20) configured to heat air being introduced from the condensing duct to supply the heated air to an inside of the drum, wherein the condensing duct (40) is coupled to a rear of the tub (3), while the drying duct (20) is positioned at an upper portion of the condensing duct and is coupled to the cabinet (2), and in between the condensing duct and the drying duct, a buffer coupling member (30) configured to mediate the condensing duct and the drying duct is provided.