Washing Machine Drum Suspension Layout for Larger Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drum type washing machines face limitations in increasing washing capacity due to constraints in size modification caused by vibration buffering structures and installation environments, which restrict the expansion of the tub and drum sizes while maintaining the external size of the machine.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a fixed tub with a rotatable drum, a power transmission system using a pulley and belt mechanism, and a suspension assembly with strategically positioned brackets and dampers to support and buffer the drum's vibration, allowing for increased tub and drum capacity without altering the external size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If spring dampers are provided between the tub and the cabinet for buffering vibration, then vibration transmission is prevented, but the size change of the washing machine is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine is divided into functionally independent modules: a fixed tub assembly and a separately mounted drum assembly. The drum is suspended by dampers independently from the tub, allowing the tub size to be optimized for washing capacity while the drum assembly can be sized and positioned to control vibration, thus resolving the contradiction between vibration control and size adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
A separate drum assembly acts as an intermediary between the fixed tub and the drive mechanism. This intermediate structure allows vibration isolation through dedicated damper mounting while maintaining the tub's fixed position and size for optimal washing capacity, enabling size adaptability without compromising vibration control
2Productivity
If the tub size is increased to increase washing capacity, then washing capacity is improved, but the external size of the machine must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine separates the tub (washing chamber) from the drum (rotating component) into independent assemblies. This allows the tub to be sized for maximum washing capacity while the overall machine footprint is controlled by the cabinet and drum assembly positioning, enabling increased washing capacity without proportional increase in external dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes vertical space and internal configuration optimization. By positioning the drum assembly and drive mechanisms in three-dimensional space efficiently within the cabinet, and allowing the tub to extend optimally within available space, the design achieves increased washing capacity while maintaining compact external dimensions through spatial optimization rather than simple scaling
3Productivity
If the drum size is increased to increase washing capacity, then washing capacity is improved, but vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drum assembly is extracted and separated from the fixed tub structure, with its own independent suspension system using dampers. This allows the drum to be sized for increased washing capacity while the separate mounting isolates the vibration generated by the larger drum, preventing it from being transmitted to the tub and cabinet
Solution Approach 2:
The independent drum assembly with dedicated damper mounting serves as an intermediary that decouples the drum's vibration from the tub structure. This intermediate suspension system allows larger drum sizes for increased capacity while the dampers absorb and isolate the resulting vibration, resolving the contradiction between washing capacity and vibration control
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 design enhances the washing capacity and rotation efficiency of the drum while minimizing vibration, allowing for a larger internal volume and improved productivity without increasing the machine's external dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission member for transmission of rotating force from the driving motor to the rotation shaft
Implementation Method 2
a suspension assembly provided to support a weight of the drum and attenuate vibration of the drum
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine (100) including a cabinet (110) having a base (1.11 ), a tub (120) fixedly secured to an inside of the cabinet (110), a drum (130) rotatable provided in the tub (120), a rotation shaft (140) passed through the tub (120) from a rear of the drum (130), a bearing housing (150) connected to the rotation shaft (140), a suspension assembly (170) for buffering and supporting a structure connected to the bearing housing (150), a driving motor (181 ) provided to the suspension assembly (170) and a power transmission member (182) for transmission of the rotation force from the driving motor (181) to the rotation shaft (140), thereby permitting to increase a capacity of the washing machine (100) by changing the structure or the washing machine (100) and increase the rotation efficiency of the drum (130) by providing a driving structure which rotates the drum (130) and has an increased capacity by thus effects.