Direct-Drive Laundry Motor Structure for Low Vibration and Noise
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Direct-drive electric motors in laundry washing machines face challenges in minimizing thickness, vibration, and noise, which affect the capacity and operational efficiency of washing machines.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a stator with a magnetically permeable core ring and polymeric insulating structure, along with a rotor featuring a polymeric frame and specific structural elements to reduce vibration and noise, ensuring a compact and efficient motor configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the motor thickness is reduced to maximize washing machine capacity, then the washing machine can accommodate more clothes for a given footprint, but the motor may become more prone to vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating vibration-dampening features directly into the motor structure before operation. The stator includes vibration dampers positioned between the stator core and the motor housing, and the rotor includes balancing weights and dampening elements that counteract vibrations before they propagate to the washing machine drum, thereby reducing noise and vibration even in a compact motor design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining different materials with complementary properties. The stator core uses magnetically permeable material for efficient magnetic flux, while the motor housing and mounting structures incorporate vibration-dampening composite materials that reduce mechanical vibrations. This multi-material approach allows the motor to maintain compact dimensions while effectively suppressing vibration and noise
2Use of energy by moving object
If the motor operates at high efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but the motor may generate more heat requiring additional cooling space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermal management compounds as intermediaries between heat-generating components and the motor housing. These thermal interface materials facilitate efficient heat transfer from the stator and rotor to the housing, which acts as a heat sink. This intermediary approach allows high-efficiency operation with effective heat dissipation without requiring additional cooling space
Solution Approach 2:
The motor housing serves a dual function: it provides structural support and acts as a self-contained heat sink. The housing is designed with thermal pathways that conduct heat away from internal components without requiring external cooling systems. This self-service thermal management allows the motor to maintain high efficiency while managing heat generation within its compact structure
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 results in a compact, low-vibration, and silent direct-drive electric motor that maximizes washing machine capacity while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a core of magnetically permeable material including an annular core ring and stator poles spaced around and extending radially outward from the core ring
Data Source
AI summary
An electric motor suitable for use in a laundry machine comprises an improved stator and/or rotor design.