MR Fluid Suspension for Drum Washer Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type washing machines using magneto-rheological fluid suspensions require large amounts of MR fluid, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in vibration isolation and damping force control.
Innovation Solution
The drum type washing machine employs a suspension system with a magnetic field generator and magneto-rheological fluid, where the magnetic field is controlled to adjust the viscosity of the MR fluid, reducing the amount of fluid needed by utilizing it only in specific gaps between the shaft, yokes, and field generator, thereby optimizing damping force and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large amount of MR fluid is used in conventional suspensions, then the damping force is sufficient to isolate vibrations, but the cost increases and the system becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the MR fluid only in the essential gaps where damping is needed (between the piston and cylinder wall, and in the magnetic field generation region) rather than filling the entire suspension chamber. This localized placement maintains effective vibration isolation while significantly reducing the total quantity of MR fluid required, thereby lowering cost and improving efficiency.
2Force
If the viscosity of MR fluid is increased through magnetic field application, then the damping force increases, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by applying the magnetic field only during vibration events rather than continuously. The magnetic field generator activates when vibration is detected to increase MR fluid viscosity and damping force, then deactivates when vibration subsides. This intermittent operation maintains effective damping when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the MR fluid is placed in large chambers, then the system is simpler to manufacture, but the damping control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the suspension system into distinct functional zones: a magnetic field generation region with precise MR fluid placement for controlled damping, and separate structural components. This segmentation allows the critical damping region to be precisely manufactured and assembled, ensuring accurate damping control while keeping the overall manufacturing process manageable through modular construction.
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 configuration effectively isolates vibrations, reduces the amount of MR fluid required, and allows for adjustable damping forces, enhancing the machine's efficiency and cost-effectiveness by minimizing fluid usage and optimizing damping performance.
Implementation Method 1
a magneto-rheological fluid (hereinafter, 'MR fluid') which changes a viscosity according to the strength of a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic generator comprises an annular iron core on which a coil is wound so that magnetic field is caused
Implementation Method 3
A coil spring is interposed between these spring brackets
Data Source
AI summary
A drum type washing machine having a suspension supporting a water tub in a vibration isolated manner and including a cylinder, a magnetic field generator fixed in the cylinder, a pair of magnetic members located at both axial sides of the field generator respectively, a smart fluid including a magneto-rheological fluid retained on an inner surface of the generator, a sealing member which is fixed in the cylinder so as to be located below the generator to prevent leakage of the smart fluid so that the smart fluid is retained, and a shaft which is supported so as to be axially reciprocable relatively along the generator, magnetic members, smart fluid, and sealing member such that reciprocation of the shaft does not substantially displace the smart fluid. The generator generates a magnetic circuit including the cylinder and the shaft.