Foam Plug for Washing Machine Cabinet Aperture Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine appliances experience excessive noise due to sound transmission through apertures in the cabinet, which are typically addressed by complex and ineffective noise reduction features.
Innovation Solution
A sound reducing plug is positioned within the aperture, oversized to create an interference fit, facilitating easy installation without mechanical fasteners and providing a sealed environment to dampen noise, constructed from materials like machined foam or injection molded plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If complex sound reduction features are installed in the cabinet aperture, then noise transmission is reduced, but device complexity increases and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple foam plug that can be easily inserted and removed, replacing complex permanent sound reduction features. The foam plug is a disposable-like component that provides effective noise reduction without the complexity of traditional sound reduction mechanisms, aligning with the principle of using simple, replaceable objects to solve problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound reduction feature is implemented using foam material, which is inherently porous. This porous structure effectively absorbs and dampens sound waves passing through the cabinet aperture, providing noise reduction functionality while maintaining simplicity in design and installation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional sound reduction features are used, then noise transmission is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult installation
Solution Approach 1:
The foam plug is designed as a simple, disposable-like component that can be easily inserted into the cabinet aperture without requiring complex installation procedures. This dramatically improves ease of operation compared to traditional sound reduction features that often require mechanical assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam plug is designed to be self-installing through the porous expansion property of foam material. When inserted into the aperture, the foam automatically expands to fill the space and secure itself, eliminating the need for additional fastening mechanisms or complex installation steps.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cabinet walls are made thicker to dampen noise, then noise transmission is reduced, but weight and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the weight and thickness of the cabinet walls throughout, the patent extracts the sound reduction function to a specific location - the aperture opening. The foam plug is placed only where sound transmission occurs, providing noise reduction without the need to reinforce the entire cabinet structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound reduction measure is applied locally at the aperture opening rather than uniformly across the entire cabinet. The foam plug provides targeted noise reduction at the specific location where sound escapes, avoiding the need to increase overall cabinet weight and manufacturing complexity.
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
Significantly reduces noise transmission by creating a sealed environment within the cabinet, enhancing the operational quietness of washing machine appliances without complex installation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a sound reducing plug positioned within the aperture for reducing noise transmission through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
an interference fit is formed between the sound reducing plug and the wall when the sound reducing plug is installed
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance, such as a washing machine appliance, includes a cabinet comprising a wall defining an aperture configured for receiving support features during shipment of the appliance. When the appliance is installed, the support features are removed, leaving the aperture open and creating a path for noise transmission. Therefore, a sound reducing plug is configured for receipt within the aperture, the sound reducing plug being slightly oversized relative to the aperture such that an interference fit is formed between the sound reducing plug and the wall when the sound reducing plug is installed.