Drum Washer Rear Balancer Support to Prevent Ball Escape
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing balancer systems in drum type washing machines are prone to failure due to long-period use, causing the ball to move out of the balancer housing as the connection between the first and second balancer housings weakens, leading to vibration instability.
Innovation Solution
The drum type washing machine incorporates a shaft flange that supports the rear balancer with multiple arm sections and a groove system, securing the first and second balancer housings together, even if the connection between them is weakened, preventing the ball from moving out of the balancer housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the first and second balancer housings are coupled through fusion welding, then the balancer structure is simplified and manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the connection part weakens over time due to ball impact, causing the ball to move out of the race
Solution Approach 1:
The balancer housing is divided into first and second separate housings that are coupled together, allowing the connection to be reinforced while maintaining manufacturing efficiency. The segmentation enables the use of multiple connection methods (fusion welding plus circumferential grooves) to address both manufacturing and durability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Circumferential grooves are provided in advance in both the first balancer housing and the second balancer housing to prevent separation before it occurs. These grooves act as preventive measures that cushion against the weakening effect of repeated ball impact, ensuring long-term connection durability.
2Productivity
If the ball is allowed to move freely in the annular race, then the balancer can rapidly reduce vibration during spin tub rotation, but the repeated impact weakens the connection between housings over time
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful impact of the ball against the balancer housings, which weakens the connection over time, is converted into a beneficial feature by providing circumferential grooves that guide and contain the ball. The grooves transform the damaging random impact into controlled, directed contact that maintains vibration reduction functionality while preventing housing separation.
3Reliability
If the balancer housing is made as a single integrated piece, then connection durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The balancer housing is segmented into first and second housings that can be manufactured separately and then coupled together. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that are easier to manufacture while maintaining overall structural integrity through the coupling mechanism with circumferential grooves.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second balancer housings are merged through coupling with circumferential grooves, creating a unified structure that functions as a single integrated unit while allowing for separate manufacturing. The grooves provide the merging mechanism that ensures durability without requiring complete integration.
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 design ensures the balancer remains functional and prevents the ball from escaping, maintaining vibration reduction and stabilizing the spin tub's rotation, even after prolonged use, thereby extending the machine's lifespan and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the ball accommodated in the balancer housing is subject to centrifugal force during the rotation of spin tub
Data Source
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AI summary
A drum type washing machine including a balancer capable of rapidly reducing vibration of a spin tub. The drum type washing machine includes a spin tub (40) which is rotated by receiving rotational force from a driving motor through a rotating shaft, a rear balancer (70R) having an annular shape and being coupled to the spin tub, and a shaft flange (60) provided at a center portion thereof with the rotating shaft and coupled to the spin tub so as to uniformly transfer the rotational force to the spin tub. The rear balancer is supported on a rear surface of a rear cover (43) by the shaft flange. Thus, the balls accommodated in the balancer are prevented from moving out of the balancer, even if the balancer is broken due to long-period use.