Laundry treating appliance suspension system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing suspension systems in laundry treating appliances experience premature wear and failure due to side loading on the damper, which is caused by non-parallel forces acting on the shock absorber, leading to reduced effectiveness in reducing vibration and movement of the tub.
Innovation Solution
A socket interface with a cone-shaped body is introduced between the socket and the shock absorber, redirecting forces to be parallel with the rod's longitudinal axis, thereby eliminating side loading on the damper and ensuring effective force management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional suspension strut assembly is used without a socket interface, then the structure is simpler, but side loading occurs on the damper causing premature wear and failure
Solution Approach 1:
A socket interface with a cone-shaped body is introduced as an intermediary component between the shock absorber and the tub socket. This intermediary redirects forces to be parallel with the rod's longitudinal axis, eliminating side loading on the damper and preventing premature wear while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension strut assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the shock absorber, the rod, and the socket interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the socket interface specifically designed to manage force distribution and protect the damper from side loading.
2Reliability
If forces are not redirected properly in the suspension system, then the structure is simpler, but the damper experiences side loading reducing its effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The socket interface acts as a force management intermediary that redirects loads to be parallel with the rod's longitudinal axis. This ensures the damper operates effectively without side loading while the cone-shaped body provides the necessary geometric transformation of force vectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The cone-shaped body of the socket interface changes the directional parameters of applied forces. By altering the angle and orientation of force vectors through its geometric shape, it transforms non-parallel forces into parallel forces aligned with the rod's longitudinal axis, optimizing damper performance.
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 solution enhances the durability and effectiveness of the suspension system by reducing the torque on the damper, preventing premature wear and failure, and maintaining the appliance's operational efficiency during cycles.
Implementation Method 1
Each suspension strut assembly may have dampening means for reducing the movement and vibration of the tub
Implementation Method 2
A spring is positioned on the rod between the first end and the shock absorber
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for a laundry treating appliance having a cabinet and a tub comprises a rod coupled to the cabinet and a shock absorber coupled between the rod and the tub. A socket interface on the rod reduces side loading forces on the shock absorber. The socket interface may be separate from the shock absorber.