Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines experience vibration and noise due to high-speed drum rotation, and existing balance weights are limited in adaptability to different tub sizes and interfere with drying duct spaces, requiring replacement of the entire balance weight when damaged or for different tub sizes.
Innovation Solution
A modular balance weight system comprising separable metal and concrete weight members with varying thicknesses and specific gravities, allowing for flexible mounting on different tub sizes and easy maintenance by replacing only damaged components, while accommodating the drying duct's space without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an integral balance weight is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but it cannot be adapted to different tub sizes and cannot be easily maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The balance weight is divided into multiple separable members (first balance weight member and second balance weight member) that can be independently replaced and configured. This segmentation allows the balance weight system to be adapted to different tub sizes by selecting appropriate combinations of weight members, while maintaining ease of manufacture for each individual member.
2Reliability
If a thick balance weight is used, then vibration reduction effectiveness is improved, but it interferes with the drying duct space
Solution Approach 1:
The first balance weight member is designed with non-uniform thickness, having a greater thickness in the radial direction at specific locations to provide enhanced vibration reduction where needed, while maintaining a thinner profile in other areas to accommodate the drying duct space. This local variation in thickness optimizes both vibration reduction effectiveness and spatial compatibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If the balance weight is made from a single material, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot simultaneously achieve high impact resistance and appropriate weight distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The balance weight system uses different materials for different members - the first balance weight member is made from a material with high impact resistance, while the second balance weight member is made from a material that provides appropriate weight distribution. This composite approach allows each member to be optimized for its specific functional requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual member.
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 modular balance weight system effectively reduces vibration and noise, supports various tub sizes, and reduces manufacturing costs by allowing selective replacement of damaged parts, enhancing maintenance efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
When the drum is rotated at high velocity, serious vibration and noise are generated due to eccentricity of the laundry. In order to reduce such vibration and noise, a balance weight is generally mounted on a tub.
Implementation Method 2
The balance weight is generally formed of concrete. Since the balance weight is formed in an integral type, the balance weight mounted on a specific tub may not be mounted on another tub having a different size or coupling position.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine comprises a main body, a tub provided within the main body and a balance weight mounted on the tub so as to reduce vibration of the tub. The balance weight includes a first weight member, a second and third weight members connected to both sides of the first weight member, respectively. A washing machine comprises a main body, a tub provided within the main body and a balance weight mounted at a position above a front surface opening of the tub. The balance weight includes a first weight member, a second and a third weight members connected to both sides of the first weight member. The first weight member is formed of metal and the second weight member and the third weight member are formed of concrete.