Pump mount system for a laundry treating appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pump mounting systems in laundry treating appliances, such as washing machines, result in complex assembly processes and unnecessary support due to the use of screws and clips, leading to increased assembly costs and vibration transfer during operation.
Innovation Solution
A pump mount system incorporating a vibration isolator with a pin and protrusion mechanism that secures the pump to the cabinet, utilizing a deformable design to prevent withdrawal and provide effective vibration isolation, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing support complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws and clips are used to secure the pump, then the pump is firmly secured to the cabinet, but the assembly process becomes more complex and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mount is integrated directly into the pump housing as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate screws and clips. The mount includes built-in features that directly engage with the cabinet, combining multiple components into one unified structure that simplifies assembly while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mount incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features that allow the pump to be installed without requiring additional fastening operations. The integrated design includes automatic engagement mechanisms that secure the pump to the cabinet through the vibration isolator alone, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate fastening components.
2Reliability
If screws and clips are used to secure the pump, then the pump is firmly secured to the cabinet, but assembly costs increase due to more parts
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mount is integrated directly into the pump housing as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate screws and clips. The mount includes built-in features that directly engage with the cabinet, combining multiple components into one unified structure that simplifies assembly while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump mount design eliminates expensive separate fastening components. By using a single molded plastic mount that is built into the pump housing, the design reduces part count and assembly cost while maintaining adequate securing functionality for the application.
3Reliability
If a rigid mounting system is used, then the pump is securely fixed to the cabinet, but vibration transfer between the pump and cabinet increases
Solution Approach 1:
A vibration isolator made of elastomeric material is positioned between the pump mount and the cabinet to act as a mediator. This intermediate component absorbs and dampens vibration forces, preventing direct rigid contact between the pump and cabinet while still providing secure mechanical attachment through the isolator.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a rigid connection to a compliant connection by using an elastomeric vibration isolator. The isolator's material properties provide both mechanical strength for secure attachment and vibration-damping characteristics, changing the physical parameters of the connection from rigid to flexible.
4Reliability
If a complex mounting system with multiple parts is used, then the pump can be securely mounted, but the number of parts increases leading to more complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mount is integrated directly into the pump housing as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate screws and clips. The mount includes built-in features that directly engage with the cabinet, combining multiple components into one unified structure that simplifies assembly while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump mount performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables vibration isolation through the elastomeric material, and creates secure mechanical engagement with the cabinet. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function.
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 system effectively minimizes vibration transfer between the pump and the cabinet, reduces assembly costs by minimizing parts, and ensures secure seating of the pump, while allowing for lateral movement to decouple vibration forces.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vibration isolator comprising a singular body having a first portion passing through a first opening on the pump mount, a second portion extending between the pump mount and the base mount
Data Source
AI summary
A pump mount system for a laundry treating appliance having a cabinet and a pump located within the cabinet, a pump mount secured to the pump; a base mount spaced from the pump mount; at least one vibration isolator comprising a singular body having a first portion passing through a first opening on the pump mount, a second portion extending between the pump mount and the base mount, and a pin aperture passing through the vibration isolator; a pin removably received within the pin aperture; and at least one protrusion extending from at least one of the vibration isolator or the pin; wherein the at least one protrusion is engaged with at least one of the pin, the vibration isolator, or the base mount.