Constant Force Damping Assembly to Reduce Wear in Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping systems in washing machine appliances, particularly vertical axis machines, suffer from repeated wear and short lifespans due to varying damping forces, which lead to deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A constant damping system is introduced, comprising a damping body with a cap and stem, a suspension rod, and a damping fluid (hydro-carbon or silicon base) between the rod and stem, along with an axial spring, providing a consistent damping force and minimizing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional damping devices (friction damping, pneumatic damping) are used, then vibration damping is provided, but repeated wear on components leads to deterioration and short lifespans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical damping systems (friction damping, pneumatic damping) with a magnetic damping system that uses magnetic fields to provide damping forces. The magnetic damping assembly includes magnets and a conductive plate, where relative motion induces eddy currents that create opposing magnetic forces for damping without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating wear and extending component lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a fluid-based damping mechanism where a damping fluid is contained within a damping chamber. The fluid provides viscous damping forces that resist motion without requiring mechanical contact between moving parts. This hydraulic approach reduces wear on components while maintaining effective vibration damping throughout the appliance's operation.
2Force
If traditional damping measures are used, then vibration damping is achieved, but damping force varies leading to deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the relationship between velocity and eddy current generation to provide damping forces that are proportional to the speed of motion. At higher velocities, stronger damping forces are generated, while at lower velocities, the damping force naturally decreases. This velocity-dependent damping characteristic provides consistent and reliable damping throughout the appliance's operation without causing deterioration.
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 ensures a constant damping force, reducing wear and tear, thereby extending the lifespan of components and maintaining effective vibration damping throughout the appliance's operation.
Implementation Method 1
a damping fluid provided between the suspension rod and the stem of the damping body, the damping fluid configured to provide a constant damping force between the suspension rod and the stem
Implementation Method 2
an axial spring having a first end attached to the suspension rod and a second end contacting the cap of the damping body
Data Source
AI summary
A constant damping system includes a damping body having a cap and a stem extending from the cap, a suspension rod accepted through the damping body, a damping fluid provided between the suspension rod and the stem of the damping body, the damping fluid configured to provide a constant damping force between the suspension rod and the stem, wherein the damping fluid is one of a hydro-carbon base or a silicon base, and an axial spring having a first end attached to the suspension rod and a second end contacting the cap of the damping body.