Nested Dual-Damping Shock Absorber to Reduce Washing Machine Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional washing machines with suspension rods experience large vibrations, leading to noise and reduced capacity due to inadequate support and excessive space occupation, causing the tub to impact the cabinet during low-speed spinning and large eccentricity.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber with a simple structure comprising a sleeve, rod, elastic member, and damping members that provide effective damping action by abutting and rubbing against each other, reducing vibrations and occupying less space, thereby minimizing tub shake and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional suspension rod is used for damping, then the washing machine can provide vibration damping, but the suspension rod occupies a large space and reduces washing machine capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The damping components are nested within the compact shock absorber structure. The first damping member is fitted over the shock absorber rod, the second damping member is mounted on the rod and accommodated in the accommodation cavity, creating a nested arrangement that minimizes space occupation while maintaining damping functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber adopts a compact cylindrical geometry that utilizes vertical space efficiently. The accommodation cavity is defined within the sleeve structure, allowing the damping members to be arranged in a three-dimensional nested configuration rather than extending horizontally, thus reducing the footprint and increasing washing machine capacity
2Reliability
If a traditional suspension rod is used, then the structure is simple, but the tub shakes greatly at low spinning speeds and is liable to hit the cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is segmented into two distinct damping members with different mechanisms. The first damping member provides primary damping through controlled friction against the shock absorber rod, while the second damping member provides additional damping through rubbing against the inner wall surface of the accommodation cavity. This segmentation allows each component to be relatively simple while collectively providing superior support capability
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber merges the elastic member (spring) with the two damping members into a single integrated assembly. The elastic member provides support force while the damping members dissipate vibration energy, combining multiple functions in one compact unit that maintains low structural complexity while achieving reliable support at low spinning speeds
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional suspension rod is used, then the damping function is provided, but large vibrations occur during washing with large eccentricity
Solution Approach 1:
The first damping member acts as an intermediary between the shock absorber rod and the sleeve, providing controlled frictional resistance that dissipates vibration energy. The second damping member serves as an intermediary that rubs against the inner wall surface of the accommodation cavity, adding another layer of energy dissipation. These intermediary damping members effectively reduce the transmission of harmful vibrations and noise during washing with large eccentricity
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 shock absorber effectively reduces vibrations and noise by providing a damping action between the sleeve and rod, allowing for a more stable washing machine operation while increasing the available capacity by occupying less space.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member provided on the shock absorber rod and/or the shock absorber sleeve
Implementation Method 2
the first damping member fitted over the shock absorber rod and mounted on the shock absorber sleeve; by providing the first damping member which may abut against the shock absorber rod when the shock absorber rod moves relative to the shock absorber sleeve
Implementation Method 3
the second damping member mounted on the shock absorber rod and accommodated in the accommodation cavity, and the first and second damping members provide a damping action when the shock absorber rod and the shock absorber sleeve move relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber for a washing machine and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The shock absorber includes: a shock absorber sleeve, and the shock absorber sleeve defines an accommodation cavity therein; a shock absorber rod, movably connected to the shock absorber sleeve; an elastic member provided on the shock absorber rod and/or the shock absorber sleeve; a first damping member fitted over the shock absorber rod and mounted on the shock absorber sleeve; and a second damping member mounted on the shock absorber rod and accommodated in the accommodation cavity. The first damping member and the second damping member generate damping when the shock absorber rod moves relative to the shock absorber sleeve. The shock absorber for the washing machine has a simple structure and favorable shock absorbing effects, and occupies little space.