Drum Washer Suspension Layout for Larger Tubs and Lower Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drum type washing machines face limitations in increasing washing capacity due to vibration transmission and restricted installation environments, which hinder the enlargement of the tub size and pose challenges in securing harness wires effectively.

Innovation Solution

A drum type washing machine with a novel structure where the drum's vibration is buffered and supported independently of the tub, using a tub with reinforcing ribs and a suspension unit connected directly to the bearing housing, and improved harness wire fastening mechanisms along the tub's outside surface, allowing for enhanced capacity and reduced vibration transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If springs and dampers are provided between the tub and cabinet to buffer vibration, then vibration transmission is reduced, but the size of the tub cannot be increased due to space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidtub size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the vibration buffering function into two independent parts: (1) springs and dampers between tub and cabinet for overall vibration reduction, and (2) a separate vibration buffer between drum and tub for localized vibration control. This segmentation allows the tub to be enlarged without compromising vibration control, as each system operates independently in its own space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vibration buffer as an intermediary component between the drum and tub. This mediator absorbs and dampens vibrations locally at the drum-tub interface, preventing vibration transmission while allowing the tub to be larger. The intermediary buffer acts as a shock-absorbing layer that decouples the drum's vibration from the tub structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the tub size is increased to enhance washing capacity, then washing performance is improved, but vibration control becomes more difficult and installation flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing capacityVSAvoidvibration control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vibration control system into two independent levels: global vibration control (springs and dampers between tub and cabinet) and local vibration control (vibration buffer between drum and tub). This allows the tub to be enlarged for increased washing capacity while maintaining effective vibration control at both levels, as the segmented system can accommodate larger dimensions without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-installing a vibration buffer between the drum and tub before operation. This buffer is designed in advance to accommodate the larger tub dimensions while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness. The cushioning is built into the structure prior to use, ensuring that even with increased tub size, vibration control is maintained from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If harness wires are secured along the tub surface, then wiring is simplified, but vibration causes loose connections and reliability issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring simplicityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harness wire from the vibrating environment by moving it from the tub surface to the cabinet interior. This extraction removes the wire from the source of vibration, eliminating the problem of loose connections while maintaining wiring simplicity. The wire is routed through non-vibrating areas and secured with fastening members that are not subjected to drum-induced vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fastening members as intermediaries to secure the harness wire along the tub surface. These fastening members act as mediators that hold the wire firmly in place despite vibrations. The fastening members are specifically designed to resist vibrational forces, providing reliable mechanical attachment points that prevent wire loosening while maintaining the simplified routing along the tub surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively buffers drum vibrations, simplifies harness wire installation, and increases the washing capacity by allowing for a larger tub diameter, improving the overall rigidity and vibration characteristics of the washing machine.

Implementation Method 1

a suspension unit for supporting the bearing housing... vibration of the drum is buffered and supported as it is

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration buffering: Damping

Implementation Method 2

springs and dampers are provided between the tub and the cabinet for buffering and damping the vibration of the tub

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8997533B2Laundry machine
Publication Date: 2015.04.07 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US8997533B2 patent drawing
  • US8997533B2 patent drawing
  • US8997533B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application relates to a laundry machine for washing laundry, including a tub for holding washing water, the tub including at least one fastener for fastening and wiring a wire harness along an outside surface thereof, a drum in the tub for holding laundry, a rotation shaft connected to a rear surface of the drum, a tub back which forms a rear side of the tub and through which the rotation shaft passes, a bearing housing for supporting the rotation shaft, a rear gasket connected between the tub and the tub back, and a suspension unit for supporting the bearing housing.