Laundry treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamic absorbers in washing machines are limited in effectively absorbing transient oscillations due to low damping ratios, increased risk of viscoelastic member damage, and reduced lifespan, as well as ineffective absorption of horizontal oscillations.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic absorber design featuring a support plate with a first moving mass for continuous oscillation absorption and a second moving mass with a larger attenuation for transient oscillation absorption, both made of metal materials with optimized mass ratios and elastic dampers to minimize friction and maximize oscillation absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a viscoelastic member is provided on a bottom surface of a moving mass to absorb oscillation, then oscillation absorption is achieved, but the moving mass load continuously acts on the viscoelastic member causing damage and performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from viscoelastic to metallic material with elastic damping properties. The moving mass is now made of metal material that can elastically deform and absorb oscillation energy without the degradation issues of viscoelastic materials, thereby maintaining oscillation absorption capability while significantly improving durability and load-bearing strength.
2Reliability
If the moving mass oscillates horizontally using shear stress in the lateral direction, then oscillation absorption occurs, but the damping ratio is low and transient oscillation is not effectively absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration principles by allowing the metallic moving mass to oscillate in response to cabinet vibrations. The metal material's inherent elastic damping properties provide effective energy dissipation through internal friction during oscillation, achieving high damping ratio and effective transient oscillation absorption without relying on shear stress mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the moving mass is shaken in the lateral direction to absorb transverse oscillation, then oscillation absorption occurs, but the moving mass tilts due to viscoelastic member bending and cannot maintain horizontal state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the moving mass into multiple independent metallic elements that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each element to absorb oscillation independently while the overall structure maintains horizontal stability, preventing the tilting problem caused by bending in monolithic viscoelastic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structural design combining metallic materials with specific geometric configurations. The metallic moving mass may be structured as multiple plates or elements arranged to provide both oscillation absorption capability and horizontal stability, leveraging the high strength-to-weight ratio and elastic properties of metal materials.
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 effectively reduces oscillation displacement across various rotational speeds, improving stability and extending the lifespan of the viscoelastic components by overlapping absorption regions for both transient and continuous oscillations.
Implementation Method 1
a dynamic absorber which is provided to absorb oscillation of the cabinet, includes: a moving mass movably provided on the support plate
Implementation Method 2
an elastic damper provided between the moving mass and the support plate
Implementation Method 3
an elastic damper provided between the moving mass and the support plate
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus is provided. The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a drum accommodated in the cabinet, and a dynamic absorber provided to absorb oscillation of the cabinet. The dynamic absorber includes a first moving mass movably provided on the support plate to absorb oscillation transmitted to the cabinet and a second moving mass movably provided on the support plate to absorb oscillation transmitted to the cabinet. Each of the first and second moving masses includes a single mass made of a metal material or a mass in which a plurality of thin metal plates are coupled to overlap each other, and the first moving mass has a mass greater than that of the second moving mass.