Washing Machine Friction Damper With Single Lining Attenuation Control
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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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rectangular housing with multiple friction linings is used, then the damping function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost becomes extremely expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple friction linings into a single continuous friction lining that extends around the plunger circumference. This single lining contacts multiple housing surfaces simultaneously, merging the function of what would traditionally require separate linings. The continuous lining is held against the plunger by spring elements, achieving the damping function while significantly reducing the number of separate friction lining components needed, thus lowering manufacturing cost.
2Reliability
If multiple friction linings are used on opposite sides, then the friction contact on both surfaces is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separate friction linings into one continuous friction lining that wraps around the plunger. This single lining is pressed against the plunger surface by spring elements and simultaneously contacts opposite housing walls, achieving friction contact on both surfaces with only one friction lining component instead of multiple separate ones, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple housing design is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the attenuation characteristics cannot be freely set
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spring elements that apply radial pressure to hold the continuous friction lining against the plunger. The spring force can be adjusted to modify the contact pressure between the friction lining and the plunger surface, thereby dynamically adjusting the friction force and attenuation characteristics. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved within a relatively simple housing structure, maintaining production simplicity while enabling flexible attenuation control.
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
Data Source
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.