Washing Machine Damper With Compliant Piston for Variable Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical axis washing machines experience vibration harmonics and require damping solutions that can accommodate varying masses, imbalances, and rotational speeds, but fixed friction damping devices are inadequate for these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A damper system with a combination of a rigid piston and a compliant piston within a cylinder, allowing for variable damping force generation by adjusting the motion of the tub relative to the cabinet, providing effective damping across a range of rotational speeds and masses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed friction damping devices are used, then damping force is provided under specific conditions, but the device cannot accommodate varying mass, imbalance, and rotational speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed friction damping device to a variable damping device that can adjust its damping characteristics. The compliant piston mechanism allows the damping force to dynamically adapt to varying operational conditions including different masses, imbalances, and rotational speeds, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the damping force parameter in response to changing operational conditions. The compliant piston system enables the damping device to change its effective stiffness and damping coefficients based on the actual vibration conditions, allowing effective damping across a wide range of masses, imbalances, and rotational speeds.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable damping is implemented, then damping effectiveness improves across varying conditions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a compliant piston that functions as a flexible element within the damping device. This compliant component provides the necessary variable damping characteristics through its elastic deformation under different loading conditions, achieving adaptability without requiring complex active control systems or multiple adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant piston acts as an intermediary element between the rigid structural components of the damping device. It mediates the force transmission in a way that automatically adjusts the damping force based on the operational conditions, providing variable damping functionality through a relatively simple mechanical intermediary rather than a complex control system.
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 damper system effectively reduces vibrations by generating appropriate damping forces, improving the stability and performance of vertical axis washing machines by accommodating varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant piston made of an elastomeric material or a spring
Implementation Method 2
Fixed friction type damping devices, however, may poorly accommodate the wide range of mass, imbalance, and rotational speed
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet and a tub disposed within the cabinet. The washing machine appliance also includes features for variably damping motion of the tub relative to the cabinet, such as a damper with a first, rigid piston and a second, compliant piston slidably received within a cylinder of the damper.