Drum Rib Reservoirs for Washing Machine Load Balancing and Showering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines experience unbalanced loads during spinning, leading to vibrations, noise, and reduced spinning performance, and existing solutions either require additional space or complex mechanisms to balance loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design that uses a balancing reservoir to counterbalance unbalanced loads during spinning by delivering water from the drum shaft bearing, and a rib with a showering reservoir to enhance the showering process, utilizing the same rib volume for both functions without additional space, with valves and springs controlling water flow based on rotational speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If water is delivered to balancing reservoirs to counterbalance unbalanced load, then vibration and noise are reduced, but additional space is required in the drum
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure is designed to serve dual functions: mechanically agitating the laundry during washing and storing balancing water during spinning. By integrating the balancing reservoir within the rib volume rather than adding separate balancing chambers, the patent eliminates the need for additional space while maintaining effective load balancing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the washing function (laundry agitation) and balancing function (load counterbalancing) into a single integrated rib structure. The rib both mechanically agitates laundry and contains water for balancing, merging two previously separate functions into one component to save space
2Productivity
If water is delivered to showering reservoirs on ribs for effective soaking, then washing effectiveness is improved, but additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure performs multiple functions including mechanical agitation of laundry, storage of showering water, and storage of balancing water. By consolidating these functions within the existing rib volume, the patent achieves effective showering without requiring additional space in the drum
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed weights are added to increase inertia for balancing, then load balancing is improved, but transportation of the machine becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic balancing system where water can be delivered to and removed from the balancing reservoirs during operation, rather than using fixed weights. This allows the balancing mass to be adjusted as needed and eliminates permanent weight additions that would hinder transportation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using water delivery through feeding lines and valves to achieve load balancing. This replaces mechanical fixed weights with a fluid-based dynamic system that provides balancing capability without permanent mass additions to the machine
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
Effectively balances loads during spinning and enhances the showering process within the same rib volume, reducing noise and wear, and improving washing effectiveness without occupying extra space or requiring electronic controls.
Implementation Method 1
a balancing reservoir whereto water is delivered from the outlet of the feeding line in the drum shaft bearing for counterbalancing unbalanced load when load imbalance occurs during the spinning step
Implementation Method 2
a rib having a showering reservoir whereto water is delivered from the outlet of the feeding line unto the laundry in the drum in the washing step
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) that comprises a tub (2), a cylindrical drum (3) having a rear wall (7) wherein the items to be washed are emplaced, disposed coaxially inside the tub (2), one or more ribs (4) arranged on the inner periphery of the drum (3) and forming protrusions into the drum (3), a shaft (8) housed in the tub (2) that transfers the movement to the drum (3) and a bearing (9) situated at the center of the tub (2) rear wall (7), remaining stationary together with the tub (3), wherein the shaft (8) is housed, extending towards the center of the drum (3) and at least one water feeding line (10) situated inside the bearing (9) having an inlet connected to the mains water supply and an outlet opening outside the bearing (9).