Laundry Machine Suspension Assembly for Drum Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry machines face limitations in capacity due to the direct transmission of drum vibrations to the tub, which restricts the enlargement of the drum size and thus the volume for treating laundry.
Innovation Solution
The laundry machine employs a suspension assembly that isolates the drum's vibration from the tub, with the tub being supported rigidly and connected using flexible members like a rear gasket to reduce vibration transmission, allowing for a larger drum diameter and increased capacity without enlarging the exterior size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the drum size is enlarged to increase laundry treatment capacity, then the volume for treating laundry is increased, but the drum vibration transmitted to the tub becomes more severe
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into two independent parts: a rigid tub support structure and a separate suspension assembly for the drum. This segmentation allows the tub to be supported rigidly while the drum vibration is handled independently by the suspension assembly, preventing vibration transmission to the tub even when the drum is enlarged.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension assembly acts as an intermediary between the drum and the tub/cabinet. It buffers and isolates the drum vibration from the tub, allowing the drum to be larger without directly transmitting excessive vibration to the tub structure.
2Productivity
If the drum size is enlarged to increase capacity, then the washing capacity is improved, but the exterior size of the laundry machine must be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support functions between the rigid tub support and the suspension assembly, the drum can be larger without requiring the entire machine exterior to be enlarged. The tub remains stably supported while the drum's increased size is accommodated within the same exterior footprint.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tub is supported rigidly, then the vibration of the drum is isolated from the tub, but the connection between the tub and the cabinet becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tub support structure is merged with the cabinet, forming an integrated rigid support system. This simplifies the overall structure while maintaining tub stability, as the tub is directly supported by the cabinet framework without requiring additional complex intermediate structures.
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
This design effectively increases the laundry machine's capacity by allowing a larger drum volume while maintaining the same exterior dimensions, reducing vibration interference with the cabinet, and enhancing the overall washing capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a suspension assembly (510, 520, 530, 540) connected to the driving unit for supportably buffering vibration of the drum
Implementation Method 2
a flexible member may be included for reducing transmission of vibration from the drum to the tub
Data Source
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AI summary
The patent application relates to a laundry machine comprising a tub to hold water therein, a drum rotatably placed in the tub, a drive assembly including a shaft (351 ) connected to the drum, a bearing housing (400) to rotatably support the shaft (351 ), a motor to rotate the shaft (351 ), and a suspension assembly to reduce vibration of the drum, which is configured that its stiffness for a displacement of the drum is greater in a left-and-right direction than in an up- and-down or front-and-rear direction.