Pump mount system for a laundry treating appliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pump mounting systems in laundry treating appliances, such as washing machines, result in increased assembly complexity and costs due to the use of screws and clips, which provide unnecessary support and contribute to vibration transfer during operation.
Innovation Solution
A pump mount system incorporating a vibration isolator with a deformable and non-deformable portion, secured by a pin that locks into place, minimizing vibration transfer and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws and clips are used to secure the pump, then the pump is firmly mounted, but the assembly process becomes more complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mount is merged with the vibration isolator into a single integrated component. The vibration isolator body directly forms the mounting structure that secures the pump to the cabinet, eliminating the need for separate screws and clips. This integration reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining secure mounting and vibration isolation functions.
2Reliability
If screws and clips are used to secure the pump, then the pump is firmly mounted, but assembly costs increase due to more parts
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mount and vibration isolator are combined into one component, reducing the total part count. Fewer parts mean lower manufacturing costs, reduced inventory requirements, and simpler assembly operations. The integrated design maintains secure mounting capability while eliminating the need for additional fasteners like screws and clips.
3Reliability
If traditional mounts are used, then the pump is secured, but vibration transfer is not adequately dampened
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration isolator acts as an intermediary element between the pump mount and the cabinet. This intermediate component absorbs and dampens vibration energy, preventing direct transmission of vibrations from the pump to the cabinet. The isolator material properties are specifically designed to provide vibration damping while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function and vibration isolation function are merged into a single integrated component. The pump mount structure incorporates vibration-damping material or design features that allow it to securely hold the pump while simultaneously isolating vibrations, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware and isolation elements.
4Ease of operation
If deformable portion is used in vibration isolator, then assembly is simplified, but permanent deformation occurs upon pin insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration isolator is designed with a pre-formed deformable portion that is prepared in advance for pin insertion. The geometry and material properties are selected so that when the pin is inserted, the deformable portion undergoes controlled permanent deformation to lock the isolator in place. This preliminary design of the deformable section enables simple assembly through a single insertion action.
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 solution effectively reduces vibration transfer between the pump and the cabinet, simplifies the assembly process, and minimizes the number of parts required, thereby reducing assembly costs and enhancing operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vibration isolator having a first portion passing through a first opening on the pump mount, a second portion extending between the pump mount and the cabinet mount
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first portion and second portion deformable when the pin is received within the pin aperture and non-deformable when the pin is removed from the pin aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A pump mount system for a laundry treating appliance having a cabinet and a pump located within the cabinet, the pump mount system comprising a cabinet mount secured to the cabinet, a pump mount secured to the pump, a vibration isolator having a first portion passing through a first opening on the pump mount, a second portion extending between the pump mount and the cabinet mount, and a pin aperture passing through the vibration isolator, a pin removably received within the pin aperture.