Washing Machine Friction Suspension for Wide-Range Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face limitations in effectively reducing vibrations of the outer tub during both normal and transient states, as existing suspensions are optimized for either state and fail to provide adequate vibration attenuation in the other scenario, leading to reduced durability, stability, and increased noise.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a support bar with a suspension system that includes an air cap and friction members, where the frictional force between the second friction member and the support bar is greater than between the first friction member and the air cap, allowing for differential vibration attenuation based on the tub's vibration width, utilizing a combination of frictional forces and an elastic member to manage vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the outer tub capacity is expanded, then the washing capacity is improved, but the vibration width of the outer tub increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction characteristics of the suspension are adjusted to compensate for increased vibration width from larger tub capacity. By having two friction members with different coefficients, the system can provide higher friction during normal operation of large-capacity tubs to control vibrations, while allowing appropriate movement during transient states
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 solution effectively reduces vibrations in both normal and transient states, enhances durability and stability, and decreases noise, while allowing for an expanded tub capacity without increasing the casing size.
Implementation Method 1
a first friction member arranged in the air cap while surrounding the support bar, the first friction member contacting an inner surface of the air cap
Implementation Method 2
a second friction member arranged to contact the support bar, wherein a frictional force between the second friction member and the support bar is larger than a frictional force between the first friction member and the inner surface of the air cap
Implementation Method 3
the air cap is mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the outer tub and moves along the support bar when the outer tub vibrates
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes a casing constituting the appearance, a support bar having one end connected to the casing and a suspension for connecting the other end of the support bar to the outer tub so as to suspend the outer tub within the casing, and for absorbing vibrations from the outer tub. The suspension includes an air cap through which the second end of the support bar passes. The air cab is installed on the outer circumference of the outer tub and moves along the support bar according to vibrations from the outer tub. A first friction member fitted on the support bar and disposed within the air cap to contact the inner surface of the air cap. A second friction member contacts the support bar and generates greater frictional force with the support bar than the force generated between the first friction member and the inner surface of the air cap to effectively decrease vibrations.