Spin Tub Balancer Structure for Low-Noise Washer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines with ball balancers face issues of reduced lifespan due to deformation under centrifugal force, assembly challenges, and generation of fusion scraps that cause vibration and noise, leading to misalignment and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a balancer with annular-shaped first and second housings fused together, featuring protruding supports for enhanced strength and guide functionality, and pocket structures to collect fusion scraps, ensuring precise installation and smooth operation of metal balls for balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ball balancers are used with upper and lower plates fused together, then the balancer structure is simplified, but fusion scraps fall down inwardly and outwardly causing vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful fusion scraps into a beneficial sealing element by designing a groove that collects the scraps. The scraps fill the groove and create a seal between the upper and lower plates, preventing further contamination and reducing vibration and noise caused by loose scraps.
2Reliability
If steel balls are disposed to freely move in racers, then dynamic balance is maintained, but the balancer deforms under centrifugal force reducing lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding reinforcement ribs at specific locations on the balancer plates. These ribs are strategically positioned to provide additional structural support where centrifugal forces are most intense, preventing deformation while allowing the steel balls to freely move for dynamic balance adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If ball balancers are installed without guidance means, then assembly is possible, but it takes time to assemble reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing positioning protrusions and corresponding positioning grooves on the balancer and spin tub. These features are pre-designed to guide the balancer into the correct position during assembly, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments and significantly improving assembly speed.
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 enhances the durability and lifespan of the balancer by preventing deformation and noise, facilitating rapid assembly, and maintaining dynamic balance during high-speed spinning, while minimizing vibration and noise.
Implementation Method 1
the ball balancers are continuously supplied with centrifugal force that is generated when the steel balls make a circular motion
Data Source
AI summary
A front loading washing machine including a housing; a water reservoir installed in the housing for containing washing water; a spin tub provided in the water reservoir to hold laundry to be washed, the spin tub having an annular recess and rotating with respect to a horizontal axis of the washing machine; and at least one balancer installed in the annular recess of the spin tub, the balancer having a plastic annular shaped housing that defines a closed internal space.