Motor Support With Integrated Heat Dissipation for Washing Machine Tubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines with internal and external rotor electric motors require different tubs and have issues with weight, bulk, and reliability due to the large heat dissipator associated with the control circuit board, which complicates handling and logistics.
Innovation Solution
A support for external rotor electric motors in washing machines, integrally formed with a heat dissipator, using stiffening ribs for both structural support and heat dissipation, allowing the same tub to be used for both internal and external rotor motors and reducing the weight and bulk of the control circuit board components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a separate heat dissipator is used for the control circuit board, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the weight and volume of components increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat dissipator with the motor support structure into a single integrated component. The support structure incorporates heat dissipation fins that extend from the support body, allowing it to serve both mechanical support and thermal management functions simultaneously, thereby eliminating the need for a separate heat dissipator and reducing overall component weight and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the control circuit board and motor components, structural attachment to the washing machine tub, and heat dissipation through integrated fins. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant components and reduces the overall weight and bulk of the assembly.
2Temperature
If a separate heat dissipator is used for the control circuit board, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the bulk and volume of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipator is merged with the motor support structure, combining thermal management functionality with the existing support volume. The heat dissipation fins extend from the support structure rather than requiring additional separate volume, thereby reducing the overall bulk of components associated with the control circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple purposes including mechanical support, structural attachment, and heat dissipation. By making the support multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for a separate heat dissipator volume, reducing the total volume of components while maintaining effective heat dissipation capability.
3Temperature
If a separate heat dissipator is used for the control circuit board, then heat dissipation is achieved, but reliability decreases due to vibration-induced separation
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipator is merged with the motor support structure into a single monolithic or firmly bonded component. This integration eliminates the interface between separate parts that could fail under vibration, thereby improving reliability while maintaining heat dissipation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed as a multi-functional component that inherently provides both mechanical support and heat dissipation. By making the support itself the heat dissipator, the patent eliminates connection interfaces that could fail due to vibration, thereby improving reliability without compromising thermal management.
4Temperature
If a separate heat dissipator is used for the control circuit board, then heat dissipation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipator is merged with the motor support structure, reducing the number of separate components that need to be manufactured, handled, and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces handling complexity during assembly and logistics.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to perform multiple functions including mechanical support and heat dissipation. By making the support multi-functional, the patent reduces the total number of components in the assembly, thereby simplifying manufacturing, handling, and logistics while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
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 enables the use of the same tub for both internal and external rotor washing machines, reduces the weight and volume of the control circuit board components, and improves reliability by integrating heat dissipation into the support structure, enhancing both structural support and heat management.
Implementation Method 1
a support for fixing an electric motor to a tub of a washing machine or similar household appliance, said electric motor being of external rotor type, for driving in rotation a drum supported in said tub, said electric motor being provided with a control circuit board associated with a heat dissipator
Implementation Method 2
The control circuit board, due to the large heat dissipation of the power components, requires getting rid of the heat produced by such power components by means of a heat dissipator
Data Source
AI summary
A support (200) is described for fixing an electric motor (3) to a tub (6) of a washing machine (1) or similar household appliance. The electric motor (3) is of the type with external rotor (70), for driving in rotation a drum (2) supported in the tub (6); the electric motor (3) is provided with a control circuit board (100) associated with a heat dissipator (33). The heat dissipator (33) is integrally formed with the support (33).