Rear Balancer Support Structure for Washing Machine Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing balancer systems in drum type washing machines are prone to failure due to repeated collisions with the balancer housings under centrifugal force, leading to weakened connections and the ball moving out of the race over time.
Innovation Solution
The drum type washing machine incorporates a rear balancer supported by a shaft flange with an annular groove on the rear cover, which secures the balancer in place, even if the connection between the balancer housings is weakened, preventing the ball from moving out and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the balancer is designed with a ball moving in the circumferential direction to reduce vibration, then the vibration reduction effect is improved, but the connection part between balancer housings weakens over time due to repeated collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a buffer member between the ball and the balancer housing. This buffer member absorbs the impact energy when the ball collides with the housing during rotation, preventing direct transmission of shock loads to the welded connection parts. The buffer member is positioned in advance to intercept collisions before they can weaken the connection between first and second balancer housings, thus preserving structural integrity while maintaining vibration reduction function.
2Reliability
If the ball is allowed to move freely in the race to compensate for imbalance, then the balancer function is improved, but the ball may move out of the race when the connection part weakens
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member serves as an intermediary element between the ball and the balancer housing. It allows the ball to move freely within the race for vibration compensation while simultaneously acting as a stopper or guide that prevents the ball from escaping the race. The buffer member mediates between the need for ball mobility (for balancing function) and the need for ball containment (for structural stability), enabling both requirements to be satisfied concurrently.
3Manufacturing precision
If fusion welding is used to couple balancer housings, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the connection becomes vulnerable to collision damage over time
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member provides beforehand cushioning protection to the fusion-welded connection parts. By absorbing impact energy before it reaches the welded joints, the buffer member prevents collision-induced weakening of the connection. This allows the use of precision fusion welding for initial assembly while protecting the connection from degradation during operation, thereby maintaining both manufacturing precision and long-term reliability.
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 stable over long periods by securing the ball within the race, reducing vibration and maintaining rotational balance without the need for precise alignment of the balancer with the rotating shaft.
Implementation Method 1
the ball accommodated in the balancer housing is subject to centrifugal force during the rotation of spin tub
Implementation Method 2
a rear balancer having an annular shape and being coupled to the spin tub... capable of rapidly reducing vibration of the spin tub
Data Source
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 which is rotated by receiving rotational force from a driving motor through a rotating shaft, a rear balancer having an annular shape and being coupled to the spin tub, and a shaft flange 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 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.