Dual-Mass Dynamic Absorber for Washer Transient Vibration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dynamic absorbers in washing machines are limited in effectively absorbing transient oscillations due to damage from continuous load on viscoelastic members, low damping ratio, and increased risk of viscoelastic member damage, leading to reduced lifespan and ineffective absorption of horizontal oscillations.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic absorber with a support plate and two moving masses, one for absorbing continuous oscillations and another for transient oscillations, utilizing elastic dampers and sliders to minimize friction and maximize absorption, with the second moving mass designed to have larger attenuation for effective transient oscillation absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a viscoelastic member is provided on the bottom surface of a moving mass to absorb oscillation, then the oscillation absorption function is provided, but the continuous load from the moving mass causes damage and performance deterioration of the viscoelastic member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation absorption functionVSAvoidlifespan of viscoelastic member
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the oscillation absorption function into two separate components: a first moving mass for absorbing continuous oscillations and a second moving mass for absorbing transient oscillations. This segmentation allows each component to have optimized characteristics for its specific function, preventing the continuous load from damaging the transient oscillation absorption mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the damping characteristics dynamic by providing two different types of dampers: a first damper with lower damping ratio for continuous oscillations and a second damper with higher damping ratio for transient oscillations. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its damping characteristics based on the oscillation type, improving both reliability and lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a viscoelastic member absorbs oscillation through shear stress in the lateral direction, then oscillation absorption is provided, but the damping ratio is low and transient oscillation is not effectively absorbed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation absorption functionVSAvoidtransient oscillation absorption efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different local qualities to different parts of the oscillation absorption system. The first moving mass uses a viscoelastic member optimized for continuous oscillations with lower damping, while the second moving mass uses a different configuration optimized for transient oscillations with higher damping. This local quality differentiation allows each component to excel at its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the damping ratio parameter between the two moving masses. The first damper has a lower damping ratio suitable for continuous oscillations, while the second damper has a higher damping ratio specifically optimized for transient oscillation absorption. This parameter change enables effective absorption of both oscillation types without compromising transient response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the moving mass oscillates horizontally using shear stress in the viscoelastic member, then oscillation absorption is provided, but the alternating shear stress increases damage possibility and shortens lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation absorption functionVSAvoidlifespan of viscoelastic member
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the oscillation absorption task between two separate moving masses. The first moving mass handles continuous oscillations with lower alternating stress, while the second moving mass handles transient oscillations. This segmentation reduces the cumulative damage from alternating shear stress on any single viscoelastic member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a support plate as an intermediary structure that couples both moving masses to the cabinet. This intermediary allows the two moving masses to operate independently with optimized damping characteristics, reducing the stress concentration and alternating load on individual viscoelastic members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If a single moving mass is used to absorb oscillation, then device simplicity is maintained, but both transient and continuous oscillations cannot be effectively absorbed simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic absorber structureVSAvoidoscillation absorption performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the oscillation absorption system into two separate moving masses: a first moving mass for continuous oscillations and a second moving mass for transient oscillations. This segmentation enables each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving superior overall performance while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional dynamic absorber where two moving masses work together to handle different types of oscillations. The first moving mass provides continuous oscillation absorption while the second provides transient oscillation absorption, making the overall system universal in handling various oscillation conditions that a single moving mass could not address effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces oscillation displacement in washing machines by absorbing both transient and continuous oscillations, improving stability and extending the lifespan of the viscoelastic members by distributing load and optimizing damping ratios.

Implementation Method 1

a dynamic absorber provided to absorb oscillation of the cabinet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

utilizing elastic dampers and sliders to minimize friction and maximize absorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10648117B2Laundry treating apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.05.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US10648117B2 patent drawing
  • US10648117B2 patent drawing
  • US10648117B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A laundry treating apparatus is provided. The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a drum accommodated in the cabinet, a tub accommodating the drum, and a dynamic absorber provided to absorb oscillation of the cabinet. The dynamic absorber includes a support plate coupled to the cabinet, a first moving mass movably provided on the support plate to absorb oscillation transmitted to the cabinet, and a second moving mass movably provided on the support plate to absorb oscillation transmitted to the cabinet. To absorb the oscillation, a time point at which the second moving mass starts relative motion with respect to the support plate is different from that at which the first moving mass starts relative motion with respect to the support plate.