Damper

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing friction dampers, particularly those used in washing machines, are expensive to manufacture and lack cost-effective production methods.

Innovation Solution

A friction damper design featuring a housing with a central longitudinal axis, a plunger with a continuous window for a friction lining, and fastening elements, allowing for adjustable attenuation characteristics and the use of a single friction lining for two surfaces, reducing production costs and improving performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rectangular housing with multiple friction linings is used, then the damping function is provided, but the manufacturing cost is extremely expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamping functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple friction linings into a single continuous friction lining that extends around the plunger circumference. This single lining contacts multiple housing surfaces simultaneously, combining the functions of what would traditionally require separate linings, thereby reducing part count and manufacturing cost while maintaining the damping function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single friction lining serves multiple functions by contacting different housing surfaces at different locations. It provides friction damping against both the first and second housing surfaces, making one component perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple separate friction linings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple friction linings are used on opposite sides, then friction contact on multiple surfaces is achieved, but the device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction contact on multiple surfacesVSAvoidnumber of friction linings

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate friction linings into one continuous friction lining that wraps around the plunger. This single component maintains friction contact with multiple housing surfaces simultaneously, reducing the number of parts from multiple separate linings to just one continuous lining

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction lining is configured to extend in the circumferential direction around the plunger, adding a dimensional aspect that allows a single lining to contact multiple housing surfaces at different angular positions, rather than requiring separate linings for each surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables flexible setting of attenuation characteristics, reduces production costs, and enhances the running properties and acoustics of washing machines by minimizing ground forces and improving friction build-up control.

Implementation Method 1

at least one friction lining, arranged in the at least one friction lining recess and in frictional contact with opposite housing walls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9809918B2Damper

Publication Date: 2017.11.07 SUSPA

AI summary

Damper, in particular for washing machines with a spin cycle, with a housing having a central longitudinal axis and at least partially encompassing a housing interior by housing walls, a plunger displaceable in the housing along the central longitudinal axis, guided out of the housing and having at least one friction lining recess, fastening elements, arranged on open ends of the housing and the plunger, and at least one friction lining, arranged in the at least one friction lining recess and in frictional contact with opposite housing walls.