Drum Washer Rear Balancer Retention for Spin Tub Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing balancer system in drum type washing machines is prone to failure due to repeated collisions of the ball with the balancer housings under centrifugal force, leading to a weakened connection and potential separation of the balancer components over time, causing the ball to move out of the race.
Innovation Solution
A drum type washing machine design where the rear balancer is supported by a shaft flange and a rear cover, with an annular groove to secure the balancer in place, preventing the ball from moving out even if the connection between balancer housings is broken, and the balancer is installed on the shaft flange with arm sections to distribute the force uniformly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the balancer uses a ball movably installed in an annular race to reduce vibration, then the vibration reduction effect is improved, but the ball repeatedly collides with the balancer housings causing the connection part to weaken and the ball to move out of the race over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retaining ring that protrudes into the annular race to form a stopper preventing the ball from moving outward. This protective structure is installed beforehand to cushion against the harmful effect of repeated collisions, ensuring the ball remains confined in the race even when the balancer housings weaken due to long-term use.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring acts as an intermediary element between the ball and the balancer housings. It provides a physical barrier that prevents direct contact between the ball and the outer environment, mediating the potential failure mode by stopping the ball before it can escape the race.
2Strength
If the first and second balancer housings are coupled through fusion welding to form the race, then the structural integrity is improved, but the connection part weakens over time due to repeated ball collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is installed beforehand to prevent the ball from escaping the race. By providing this protective barrier, the patent cushions against the cumulative damage that would otherwise weaken the welded connection between the balancer housings, thereby maintaining both structural integrity and connection stability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring applies a preliminary anti-action by preventing the ball from moving outward before the collisions can significantly weaken the welded connection. This proactive measure counteracts the potential harmful effect of repeated impacts on the fusion welding joint.
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
The solution effectively stabilizes the balancer system, preventing the ball from escaping and ensuring continued operation by securing the balancer components and distributing rotational forces evenly, thus extending the lifespan of the washing machine.
Implementation Method 1
the ball accommodated in the balancer housing is subject to centrifugal force during the rotation of spin tub
Data Source
AI summary
A drum type washing machine including a balancer capable of rapidly reducing vibration of a spin tub. The drum type washing machine includes a spin tub which is rotated by receiving rotational force from a driving motor through a rotating shaft, a rear balancer having an annular shape and being coupled to the spin tub, and a shaft flange provided at a center portion thereof with the rotating shaft and coupled to the spin tub so as to uniformly transfer the rotational force to the spin tub. The rear balancer is supported on a rear surface of a rear cover by the shaft flange. Thus, the balls accommodated in the balancer are prevented from moving out of the balancer, even if the balancer is broken due to long-period use.