Vertical Drum Laundry Machine Layout for Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drum type washing machines face limitations in increasing washing capacity due to vibration damping constraints and installation environment limitations, which restrict the size and design modifications.
Innovation Solution
A new drum type washing machine structure featuring a tub with a unique cross-sectional shape, a suspension assembly for buffering vibration, and a flexible connection to the driving unit, allowing for increased tub size and improved vibration management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If springs and dampers are provided between the tub and the cabinet for damping vibration, then vibration transmission is reduced, but the size of the washing machine is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by moving the drum from a horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration. This dimensional change allows the washing machine to fit better in limited installation spaces while the tub can extend vertically to provide adequate washing capacity. The suspension assembly is positioned at the bottom of the tub, utilizing the vertical space efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the washing machine into distinct functional modules: the tub is separated from the cabinet by the suspension assembly, and the driving unit is positioned independently at the bottom. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the tub can be sized for washing capacity while the cabinet maintains a compact footprint suitable for installation environments.
2Productivity
If the tub size is increased to increase washing capacity, then washing capacity is improved, but vibration damping becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension assembly acts as an intermediary between the tub and the cabinet. It provides vibration isolation for larger tubs by absorbing and damping vibrations before they are transmitted to the cabinet. This mediator allows the tub to be sized for high washing capacity without proportionally increasing vibration transmission issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension assembly uses composite damping mechanisms combining springs and dampers. This composite approach provides both elastic support (springs) and viscous damping (dampers), effectively controlling vibrations from larger tubs while maintaining structural integrity and washing capacity.
3Productivity
If the drum diameter is increased to increase washing capacity, then washing capacity is improved, but the cabinet size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal drum configuration to a vertical drum configuration. This inversion allows the washing capacity to be increased by extending the tub vertically rather than horizontally, so the cabinet footprint remains compact while the washing capacity increases through vertical space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal drum arrangement to a vertical drum arrangement, utilizing the vertical dimension for washing capacity instead of the horizontal dimension. This allows the cabinet to maintain a small footprint suitable for installation environments while the tub provides adequate washing capacity through vertical extension.
4Ease of operation
If the washing machine is adapted to existing installation environments, then ease of installation is improved, but design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine design incorporates a compact cabinet with a small footprint that can be universally installed in various existing environments such as under sinks or in built-in locations. The vertical tub configuration and modular component arrangement provide design flexibility that allows adaptation to different installation spaces while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension assembly provides dynamic vibration isolation that adapts to different operating conditions and installation environments. This dynamic system allows the washing machine to maintain performance across various installation configurations while preserving design flexibility for different spatial requirements.
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 washing capacity while minimizing vibration transmission and allowing for flexible installation, reducing detergent consumption and improving laundry treatment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
springs and dampers are provided between the tub and the cabinet for buffering and damping the vibration of the tub
Implementation Method 2
springs and dampers are provided between the tub and the cabinet for buffering and damping the vibration of the tub
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry machine. The laundry machine includes a tub (10) for holding washing water, a drum (30) rotatably mounted in the tub, a driving unit having a rotation shaft (351) connected to the drum, a bearing housing (400) for rotatably supporting the rotation shaft, and a motor for rotating the rotation shaft, and a suspension assembly (40) for supportably buffering vibration of the drum, wherein the an up/down direction height of a front of the tub is greater than a left/right direction width of the tub.