Counterweighted Washer Drum Structure for Door-Induced Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotatable drums in washing machines or dryers often experience unbalance and vibration due to the coupling of drum doors on the outer circumferential surface, leading to noise and instability during rotation.

Innovation Solution

A drum design that incorporates a balance weight secured to both rims of the drum, positioned opposite to the operable drum door, which is arranged on the inner circumferential surface and includes a cover with extensions to prevent weight displacement, and a base with projections to reinforce strength and secure the balance weight, allowing it to lift and drop laundry while maintaining balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a drum door is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the drum, then access to the drum is improved, but drum balance and vibration stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrum door accessVSAvoiddrum balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A balance weight is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drum at a position opposite to the drum door. This counterweight compensates for the weight imbalance caused by the drum door, restoring drum balance and reducing vibration during rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a balance weight is added to the drum, then drum balance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrum balanceVSAvoiddrum structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The balance weight is designed to serve multiple functions: it balances the drum, lifts laundry during rotation, and its cover acts as both a protective cover and a lifter. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover of the balance weight is integrated with the balance weight structure itself, and the cover also functions as a lifter. This merging of functions into a single component simplifies the overall drum structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the balance weight is secured only to one rim of the drum, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but balance weight stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalance weight installationVSAvoidbalance weight stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The balance weight is divided into multiple parts: a body portion secured to the first rim, and a second end secured to the second rim opposite to the first rim. This segmentation and distribution of attachment points along the longitudinal direction provides stable fixation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7810410B2Drum and washing machine or dryer using the same

Publication Date: 2010.10.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a drum rotatable provided in a washing machine or a dryer to dry laundry. A drum for a washing machine or a dryer includes an operable drum door provided at a circumferential surface of the drum; a balance weight provided at the circumferential surface of the drum. The balance weight is placed opposite to the operable drum door to balance the drum.