Curved Tub Ring Geometry to Prevent Washer Drum Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laundry treating appliances, the traditional planar construction of tub rings leads to increased material requirements for support, higher natural frequencies, and potential interference between tub and drum components during rotation, resulting in higher costs and undesirable contact.
Innovation Solution
The design of a tub ring and balancing ring with specific radial points and arcs that do not intersect, allowing for reduced material usage and maintaining a gap between components during rotation, thereby preventing interference and lowering natural frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional planar construction of tub ring is used, then structural support is provided, but material requirements increase and natural frequencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tub ring is designed with a curved cross-section that follows a circular arc, replacing the traditional planar construction. This curvature allows the ring to achieve structural support through geometric form rather than material quantity, reducing material requirements while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the tub ring by defining its cross-section as a circular arc with specific radius relationships. This parameter change optimizes the structural efficiency, providing necessary support with reduced material while controlling natural frequencies.
2Ease of operation
If tub ring and balancing ring are positioned traditionally, then components are visible and accessible, but interference occurs during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The tub ring and balancing ring are designed with asymmetric positioning where the radially minimum point of the tub ring and radially maximum point of the balancing ring are offset relative to each other. This asymmetric arrangement creates non-intersecting arcs that prevent interference during rotation while maintaining operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The design preemptively positions the rings such that their arcs do not intersect, preventing potential interference before it can occur during rotation. The geometric configuration ensures clearance is maintained throughout the rotation cycle.
3Strength
If additional support structures are added to tub ring, then structural strength increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The curved circular arc cross-section of the tub ring provides inherent structural strength through its geometry, eliminating the need for additional support structures like ribs or reinforcement elements. The form itself carries the load.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the support function from separate additional structures and integrates it into the basic tub ring geometry itself. The ring's cross-sectional shape provides the support that would otherwise require separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance having a tub with a tub ring and a drum located within the tub having a balance ring. The tub ring may extend radially inward and be spaced above the balance ring. The tub ring and balance ring may have an angled portion to provide for a generally constant space between the tub ring and balance ring during rotation of the drum within the tub.