Washing Machine Dynamic Absorber With Sliding Mass Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dynamic absorbers in washing machines are limited in effectively absorbing transient oscillations due to viscoelastic member damage, low damping ratio, and shear stress-induced limitations, leading to reduced oscillation absorption capacity and shortened lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic absorber design with a moving mass slidably movable on a support plate, utilizing an elastic damper and sliders to absorb oscillations, where the moving mass moves in a phase opposite to the excitation force, and the elastic damper attenuates oscillations through frictional force, improving absorption capacity and extending the lifespan of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a viscoelastic member is disposed on a bottom surface of a moving mass to absorb oscillation, then the oscillation absorption function is provided, but the load of the moving mass continuously acts on the viscoelastic member causing damage and performance deterioration

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sliders as intermediary components between the moving mass and the support plate. These sliders enable the moving mass to move horizontally while preventing direct continuous loading of the viscoelastic member, thereby protecting it from damage and extending its lifespan while maintaining the oscillation absorption function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the viscoelastic member absorbs oscillation by using shear stress acting in the lateral direction, then the oscillation damping is provided, but there is a limitation that transient oscillation is not effectively absorbed due to a low damping ratio

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation dampingVSAvoidtransient oscillation absorption capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the moving mass movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to oscillations. The slider mechanism enables the moving mass to move horizontally in response to cabinet oscillations, creating a dynamic system that can effectively absorb transient oscillations through the interaction between the moving mass and the viscoelastic member

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the moving mass oscillates horizontally to absorb transient oscillation, then the oscillation absorption is improved, but the moving mass may be shaken in the lateral direction due to bending of the viscoelastic member, reducing absorption effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransient oscillation absorptionVSAvoidhorizontal state of moving mass
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sliders act as intermediary components that guide the movement of the moving mass, ensuring it oscillates only in the horizontal direction parallel to the support plate. This prevents lateral shaking caused by viscoelastic member bending while maintaining effective transient oscillation absorption

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

The design effectively absorbs both transient and continuous oscillations, enhancing the stability of the washing machine by reducing oscillation displacement and extending the lifespan of the viscoelastic components.

Implementation Method 1

a viscoelastic member is disposed on a top surface of the frame, and a moving mass for absorbing oscillation is disposed on a top surface of the viscoelastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

when the moving mass oscillates horizontally, since the viscoelastic member absorbs the oscillation by using shear stress acting in the lateral direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 3

there is a limitation that transient oscillation is not effectively absorbed due to a low damping ratio

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Implementation Method 4

the elastic damper attenuates oscillations through frictional force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3266923B1Laundry treating apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3266923B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3266923B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3266923B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A laundry treating apparatus is provided. The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet (11), a drum accommodated in the cabinet (11), a tub (16) accommodating the drum, and a dynamic absorber (20) provided to absorb oscillation of the cabinet (11). The dynamic absorber (20) includes a support plate (24) coupled to the cabinet (11), a moving mass (21) disposed on the support plate (24), and a slider (22) interposed between the moving mass (21) and the support plate (24) to allow the moving mass (21) to be reciprocated with attenuation due to frictional force on the support plate (24).