Pump damper assembly and dishwasher appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for reducing vibrations from electric pumps in domestic appliances are inadequate, particularly in multiple directions, and often expensive or complex, making it difficult to effectively mitigate vibrational noise and structural damage.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly with a vibration damper system comprising a pair of tuned damper bodies with spring beams and damper masses, offset from the center of gravity, attached to the pump housing to absorb vibrations along multiple axes, reducing translational and rotational forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active vibration cancellation systems are used, then vibration reduction effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex active vibration cancellation systems with a passive mechanical vibration damper assembly. The damper uses spring elements and damping materials to mechanically absorb vibrations without requiring sensors, controllers, or power sources, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining vibration reduction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components (spring elements, damping materials, mounting brackets) that can be easily manufactured and replaced. These passive mechanical elements provide effective vibration damping without the high cost and complexity of active electronic control systems
2Ease of manufacture
If spring-mass systems are used, then cost is reduced, but vibration reduction effectiveness in multiple directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vibration damper into multiple independent spring elements arranged in specific orientations (e.g., vertical, horizontal, diagonal). Each spring element targets vibrations in specific directions, and the combination provides comprehensive multi-directional vibration reduction while keeping individual components simple and inexpensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends vibration damping from single-direction to multi-directional by arranging spring elements in three-dimensional space. The springs are positioned and oriented to address vibrations along multiple axes (vertical, horizontal, and rotational), transforming a one-dimensional damping solution into a multi-dimensional system
3Ease of manufacture
If existing damper configurations are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ability to reduce vibrations in multiple directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal damper assembly where spring elements serve multiple functions: they provide suspension, absorb vibrations in multiple directions, and can be configured for different orientations. This multi-functional design allows a single standardized component to address various vibration scenarios without requiring complex custom manufacturing
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
Significantly reduces vibrations and noise by symmetrically counteracting translational and rotational forces, enhancing the stability and quiet operation of domestic appliances.
Implementation Method 1
The first spring beam may extend longitudinally between a fixed end proximal to the pump housing and a free end distal to the pump housing
Implementation Method 2
The vibration damper may be attached to the fluid pump to absorb vibrations thereof
Implementation Method 3
The first damper mass may be disposed on the free end of the first spring beam at the first radial side
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher appliance or pump assembly may include a fluid pump and a vibration damper. The fluid pump may define a center of gravity. The vibration damper may be attached to the fluid pump. The vibration damper may include first and second spring beams and first and second damper masses. The first spring beam may extend longitudinally between a fixed end and a free end and be offset from the center of gravity at a first radial side. The first damper mass may be disposed on the free end of the first spring beam. The second spring beam may extend longitudinally between a fixed and a free end and be offset from the center of gravity at a second radial side. The second damper mass may be disposed on the free end of the second spring beam.