Suspension-Mounted Washing Machine Motor for Larger Drum Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drum type washing machines face limitations in increasing washing capacity due to constraints in size changes caused by vibration moderation structures and installation environments, which restrict the expansion of the tub and drum sizes while maintaining the external size of the machine.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design that includes a tub with a fixed position, a rotatable drum, a power transmission system using a driving motor and pulley belt, and a suspension assembly with vertical and horizontal brackets and dampers to buffer and support vibrations, allowing for increased tub and drum capacities without altering the external size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If spring dampers are provided between the tub and the cabinet for buffering vibration, then vibration transmission is prevented, but the size change of the washing machine is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine is divided into separate functional modules: a fixed cabinet, a suspended tub assembly with vibration buffering, and a independently mountable drum. This segmentation allows the tub to be suspended with dampers for vibration control while the drum can be optimized for capacity without being constrained by the cabinet size, enabling size flexibility while maintaining vibration protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional integrated design to a modular architecture where the tub is suspended independently from the cabinet using vertical dampers. This dimensional separation allows the tub assembly to be positioned and sized independently, enabling size changes in the washing capacity without being limited by the cabinet footprint or installation environment constraints.
2Quantity of substance
If the tub size is increased to increase washing capacity, then washing capacity increases, but the external size of the washing machine must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is nested within the tub, with the drum rotating inside the stationary tub. This nested configuration allows the tub to be sized for maximum washing capacity while the drum fits within the same external footprint. The suspension system allows the tub to be positioned optimally within the cabinet space, enabling increased internal capacity without increasing external dimensions.
3Quantity of substance
If the drum size is increased to increase washing capacity, then washing capacity increases, but vibration moderation structures limit the size change
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration moderation function is extracted from the integrated cabinet-tub structure and implemented as independent dampers connecting the tub to the cabinet. This extraction allows the drum and tub to be sized independently for maximum capacity, while the suspended tub assembly with its dedicated damping system handles vibration control, freeing the drum size from constraints imposed by rigid vibration moderation structures.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If springs and damper structures are provided between the tub and cabinet, then vibration is moderated, but installation environment constraints limit size definition
Solution Approach 1:
The tub is suspended dynamically using springs and dampers rather than being rigidly fixed to the cabinet. This dynamic suspension system allows the tub to absorb and buffer vibrations independently, enabling the washing machine to be installed in various environments with different space constraints. The flexible suspension accommodates size variations and installation position changes while maintaining effective vibration moderation.
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 enhances the washing capacity and improves the rotation efficiency of the drum while maintaining the external size of the washing machine, reducing vibrations and allowing for more flexible installation options.
Implementation Method 1
a suspension assembly connected to the bearing housing for buffering and supporting vibration of the drum
Implementation Method 2
a belt for transmission of rotation of the driving pulley to the driven pulley
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine (100) including a cabinet (110) having a base (1.11), a tub (120) fixedly secured to an inside of the cabinet (110), a drum (130) rotatable provided in the tub (120), a rotation shaft (140) passed through the tub (120) from a rear of the drum (130), a bearing housing (150) connected to the rotation shaft (140), a suspension assembly (170) for buffering and supporting a structure connected to the bearing housing (150), a driving motor (181) provided to the suspension assembly (170) and a power transmission member (182) for transmission of the rotation force from the driving motor (181) to the rotation shaft (140), thereby permitting to increase a capacity of the washing machine (100) by changing the structure or the washing machine (100) and increase the rotation efficiency of the drum (130) by providing a driving structure which rotates the drum (130) and has an increased capacity by thus effects.