Vibration isolator for an appliance motor having internal silencing voids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry appliances experience significant noise and vibration issues due to motor vibrations, which are not effectively absorbed by existing technologies, leading to undesirable shaking and increased noise levels.
Innovation Solution
A damping ring with defined apertures and voids is positioned between the motor and the retaining bracket, absorbing operational vibrations and isolating the motor's vibrations from the appliance structure, thereby reducing noise and vibration transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor is coupled directly to the retaining bracket, then the motor is securely mounted, but vibrations and noise are transferred to the appliance structure
Solution Approach 1:
A damping ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the motor and the retaining bracket. This damping ring absorbs and dissipates vibration energy, preventing it from being transferred to the appliance structure while still maintaining secure motor mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping ring is made from a composite material that combines structural support capabilities with vibration damping properties. This allows the single component to simultaneously provide secure mounting and vibration isolation functions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If existing vibration absorption technologies are used, then some vibration reduction is achieved, but noise and vibration levels remain unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The damping ring utilizes changes in material parameters (such as viscosity and elasticity) in response to vibration frequency to optimize vibration absorption across a wide range of operational frequencies, thereby reducing both vibration and associated noise levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping ring incorporates a porous structure that enhances vibration damping capabilities. The porous material provides increased surface area and internal friction, improving energy dissipation and reducing both vibration and noise more effectively than solid materials.
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 damping ring significantly reduces noise levels and vibration intensity across a wide range of operational frequencies, improving appliance stability and user experience by minimizing vibration transfer.
Implementation Method 1
An elastomeric damping ring is positioned about the drive shaft and between the motor and the retaining bracket. Damping apertures are defined within a body of the elastomeric damping ring that form voids that extend through an interior of the body. The voids absorb operational vibrations generated by the motor in an activated state.
Implementation Method 2
Damping apertures are defined within a body of the elastomeric damping ring that form voids that extend through an interior of the body. The voids absorb operational vibrations generated by the motor in an activated state.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A rotating drum is positioned within the cabinet. A blower directs process air through an airflow path. The airflow path includes the drum. A motor is coupled to the cabinet via a retaining bracket. The motor includes a drive shaft operably coupled to one of the drum and the blower. A damping ring is positioned about the drive shaft and between the motor and the retaining bracket. Damping apertures are defined within a body of the damping ring. The damping apertures define respective voids that absorb operational vibrations generated by the motor in an activated state.