Driving part assembly and top-loader washer thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Top-loader washers experience significant noise and vibration issues due to the transmission of motor vibrations to peripheral parts, with existing solutions failing to effectively reduce noise caused by vibration factors, and there is a need to secure the strength of fastening portions while minimizing contact surface area between metal fastening components.
Innovation Solution
A driver assembly configuration where a first sleeve and a second sleeve are in close contact via a bolt's fastening force, with the second sleeve spaced apart from the bearing housing, and a clutch stopper with a boss portion made of synthetic resin to dissipate vibration energy, reducing contact between metal components and noise generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal fastening components are used to secure the stator to the bearing housing, then the strength of the fastening portion is improved, but noise is generated due to metal-to-metal contact and vibration transmission
Solution Approach 1:
A synthetic resin boss portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal fastening components and the bearing housing. This mediator absorbs vibration energy and prevents direct metal-to-metal contact, thereby reducing noise while maintaining fastening strength through the resin's bonding properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameter of the fastening structure is changed from pure metal to a composite structure involving synthetic resin. The resin's viscoelastic properties enable it to dissipate vibration energy, transforming the fastening system from a rigid metal connection to a damping-resistant connection that reduces noise.
2Strength
If the contact surface area between metal fastening components is increased, then the fastening strength is improved, but the noise and vibration transmission are amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening structure employs local quality differentiation by using synthetic resin specifically at the contact interface between fastening components and the bearing housing. This localized application of damping material reduces vibration transmission at critical contact points while maintaining overall fastening strength through the resin's bonding capability.
3Power
If the gap between the stator and rotor is reduced to improve motor efficiency, then the motor performance is improved, but vibration and noise are amplified when the fastening structure becomes loose
Solution Approach 1:
The synthetic resin boss portion is installed in advance as a cushioning element that preemptively absorbs vibration energy and prevents gap fluctuations. This prior cushioning ensures that even when the fastening structure experiences loosening, the resin maintains stable spacing between the stator and rotor, preventing noise amplification while allowing tight gap configuration for motor efficiency.
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 effectively reduces noise and vibration by preventing metal-to-metal contact and dissipating vibration energy through a synthetic resin component, enhancing the strength of the fastening portion without increasing bolt thickness or number.
Implementation Method 1
a clutch stopper with a boss portion made of synthetic resin to dissipate vibration energy
Data Source
AI summary
A driver assembly of a top-loader washer includes: a bearing housing provided under an outer tub and having a bolt screwed into a lower surface of the bearing housing, a stator provided under the bearing housing and defining a first hole, a clutch stopper interposed between the bearing housing and the stator and defining a second hole, a first sleeve coupled to the first hole, and a second sleeve coupled to the second hole. The bolt is inserted into the first sleeve through the first hole and into the second sleeve through the second hole to fasten the bearing housing, the clutch stopper, and the stator and the second sleeve is spaced apart from the bearing housing based on the first sleeve and the second sleeve being fastened to and in contact with each other by a fastening force of the bolt.