Dryer Drum Support Roller Structure for Load-Induced Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clothes dryers face issues with roller deformation and reduced lifespan due to concentrated stress and inadequate lubrication, especially in smaller models with increased loads, leading to noise and damage.
Innovation Solution
A roller structure for clothes dryers using a ball bearing mounted on a roller shaft with a screw thread and a flat contact surface, combined with an elastic outer wheel portion and concave-convex engagement, to distribute stress and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an oil-less bearing is used in the supporting roller, then the structure is simple and maintenance-free, but the lubricating characteristic degrades under increased load, causing noise and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bearing type from oil-less bearing to ball bearing, fundamentally altering the lubrication mechanism from oil-based to rolling element-based. This parameter change enables the bearing to handle increased loads without oil discharge, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and reliability under heavy load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball bearing is designed as a replaceable component with a standardized structure, allowing it to be easily replaced when worn. This approach accepts the bearing as a consumable part that can be periodically replaced, maintaining system reliability without requiring complex maintenance mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If the roller outer circumferential portion has a convexed portion at the central part, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but stress is concentrated on specific regions, shortening the roller lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a flat contact portion at the specific location where the drum contacts the roller, while other portions of the roller may have different characteristics. This localized flat surface ensures uniform stress distribution at the critical contact area, preventing stress concentration and extending roller lifespan without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
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 prolongs the lifespan of the roller and improves the reliability of the clothes dryer by distributing stress and providing better thermal endurance and stability under heavy loads.
Implementation Method 1
the roller is mounted to a roller shaft by a ball bearing
Implementation Method 2
configured to allow the roller frame to be smoothly rotated
Implementation Method 3
a roller outer circumferential portion formed of rubber having an elastic force to support the drum
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a clothes dryer comprising a drum rotatably disposed in a body; and a roller disposed below the drum, and configured to support the drum. The roller is mounted to a roller shaft by a ball bearing, and a contact portion of an outer circumferential surface of the roller contacting the drum is formed to be flat.