Washing Machine Balancer With Movable Mass for Tub Imbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines experience vibration and noise due to load imbalance in the rotating tub during laundry distribution, which can lead to damage if not properly compensated.
Innovation Solution
A balancer system with a first mass member fixed to the rotating tub and a second mass member that slides within an annular channel filled with damping fluid, allowing the second mass member to compensate for load imbalances by moving to offset centrifugal forces, thereby stabilizing the tub's rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a balancer is used to compensate for load imbalance, then vibration and noise are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balancer employs a movable second mass member that can dynamically adjust its position along the circumferential direction within the balancer housing. This dynamic configuration allows the balancer to adapt to varying load imbalance conditions, effectively reducing vibration and noise while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to fixed complex balancing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a balancer housing as an intermediary structure that contains the movable second mass member. This housing provides a controlled environment for the mass member to move and compensate for load imbalance, thereby reducing vibration and noise without requiring direct complex mechanisms attached to the rotating tub itself.
2Reliability
If a movable second mass member is added to compensate for load imbalance, then balancing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second mass member is designed to be movable within the balancer housing, allowing it to dynamically reposition itself based on the load imbalance conditions. This dynamic capability significantly improves balancing performance by enabling real-time compensation, while the movement is constrained within a simple housing structure rather than requiring complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second mass member automatically adjusts its position in response to load imbalance forces during rotation, without requiring external control systems or additional actuators. This self-adjusting mechanism improves balancing reliability while avoiding the complexity of controlled movement systems.
3Reliability
If the second mass member is allowed to move freely, then balancing compensation is improved, but sudden movement and instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The damping fluid acts as an intermediary between the movable second mass member and the channel walls. It provides viscous resistance that dampens sudden movements and oscillations of the mass member, ensuring stable and controlled compensation of load imbalance while maintaining the ability to adjust position as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes a fluid (damping fluid) within the channel to control the movement of the second mass member. The fluid's viscous properties provide automatic damping of rapid movements, allowing the mass member to move smoothly and stably to compensate for load imbalance without sudden jumps or oscillations.
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 balancer effectively reduces vibration and noise by dynamically adjusting to balance the rotating tub, preventing damage and ensuring smooth operation even when laundry is unevenly distributed.
Implementation Method 1
a damping fluid received in the channel and serving to apply resistance to the second mass member so as to prevent sudden movement of the second mass member
Implementation Method 2
a first mass member mounted to the rotating tub so as not to be moved relative to the rotating tub in a circumferential direction of the rotating tub, the first mass member serving to apply load imbalance to the rotating tub upon rotation of the rotating tub, and a second mass member arranged to be movable in the circumferential direction of the rotating tub, the second mass member serving to compensate for load imbalance of the rotating tub upon rotation of the rotating tub
Data Source
AI summary
The washing machine includes a rotating tub arranged to be rotatable about a shaft. A first mass member is mounted to the rotating tub so as not to be moved relative to the rotating tub in a circumferential direction of the rotating tub. The first mass member serves to apply load imbalance to the rotating tub upon rotation of the rotating tub. Also, a second mass member is arranged to be movable in the circumferential direction of the rotating tub. The second mass member serves to compensate for load imbalance of the rotating tub upon rotation of the rotating tub.