Flexible Rear Gasket for Washing Machine Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drum type washing machines experience significant vibration transmission to the tub, which is not effectively attenuated by existing suspension units, leading to potential interference with the cabinet and limiting the machine's capacity.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine design featuring a flexible sealer between the drive assembly and the tub, allowing relative movement and vibration absorption, combined with a suspension unit that provides greater rigidity in the lateral direction to reduce drum vibration, and a rear gasket that prevents water leakage while allowing the drive assembly to move relative to the tub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid bearing housing is used to support the rotation shaft, then the structural strength is improved, but the vibration transmitted to the tub increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible bearing housing is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotation shaft and the tub. This flexible bearing housing maintains the structural support function while simultaneously reducing vibration transmission to the tub through its elastic deformation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing housing material properties are changed from rigid to flexible, allowing it to deform elastically under vibration loads. This parameter change enables the bearing housing to absorb and dissipate vibration energy while maintaining structural integrity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tub is rigidly connected to the cabinet, then the stability is improved, but the vibration-induced interference with the cabinet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the tub and cabinet is changed from rigid to flexible through the use of flexible bearing housing and flexible seal. This allows the tub to maintain stable operation while accommodating vibration movements without interfering with the cabinet
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a flexible seal is used to allow drive assembly movement, then the vibration transmission is reduced, but the water leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible seal in the form of a bellows-shaped membrane is used to connect the drive assembly to the tub. This flexible seal allows relative movement and vibration absorption while maintaining water tightness through its continuous elastic deformation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible seal is designed to dynamically deform elastically in response to drive assembly movements and vibrations. This dynamic adaptation allows the seal to maintain its sealing function while accommodating the necessary relative movements
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 vibration transmission from the drum to the tub, enabling a more compact design with increased capacity without the need for additional space due to reduced vibration-induced gaps, and prevents water leakage and corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible material is connected between the drive assembly and the rear opening of the tub for sealing therebetween. The flexible material allows the drive assembly to move or vibrate relatively to the tub.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry machine for treating laundry. One embodied laundry machine may have an opening in the rear of the tub. A rear gasket (250) is connected between the drive assembly and the rear opening of the tub for sealing there between. The rear gasket (250) allows the drive assembly to move or vibrate relatively to the tub. The rear gasket (250) may be referred to as a flexible sealer.