Washer Door Dispenser Duct Mounting for Vibration Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Front-loading laundry washing machines with washing agent dispensers in the door suffer from noise and inefficiency due to the hydraulic supply system, which is either noisy when flexible or prone to damage when rigid, as the ducts are secured in only two points, leading to mechanical stress and vibration issues.
Innovation Solution
The hydraulic duct carrying water to the dispenser is constrained to the cabinet using multiple ties and a distributor system with corrugated pipes and a solenoid valve, ensuring stable water flow and reducing noise by damping vibrations, while preventing deformation of the gasket and securing the distributor to the cabinet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible duct is used to carry water from the water main to the dispenser, then the duct can accommodate vibrations, but the duct is moved violently by vibrations during operation causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (the cabinet) between the water main and the dispenser. The duct is constrained to the cabinet structure rather than being freely suspended, which mediates the vibration transmission and prevents the duct from being violently moved during operation, thereby reducing noise while maintaining flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid duct is used to carry water from the water main to the dispenser, then the duct structure is stable, but the duct cannot absorb vibrations causing damage to the gasket or duct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible duct (corrugated pipe) that is constrained to the rigid cabinet structure. The flexible nature of the duct allows it to absorb vibrations and movements without transmitting excessive stress to the gasket or causing damage, while the constraint to the cabinet provides structural stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the duct is secured in only two points (control valve and gasket nozzle), then the installation is simple, but mechanical stress causes noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the duct support system into multiple attachment points along the cabinet structure, rather than relying on just two points. This distribution of support points reduces the mechanical stress at each individual connection, preventing noise and potential damage while maintaining installation feasibility.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the duct is constrained to the cabinet at multiple points, then noise and vibrations are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the cabinet structure to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a vibration-damping element, and serves as the mounting framework for the hydraulic system. By constraining the duct to existing cabinet features, the system achieves noise reduction without adding significant complexity, as the cabinet already performs these supporting roles.
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 solution significantly reduces noise and enhances efficiency by stabilizing the hydraulic system, preventing damage, and ensuring accurate water distribution, leading to a more reliable and less noisy washing machine operation.
Implementation Method 1
If the duct is flexible, when the machine is operating it will be moved violently by the vibrations of the oscillating assembly to which it is connected through the gasket
Implementation Method 2
a three-way solenoid valve 11 (i.e. having one inlet and two outlets) which regulates the water flow in both pipes 10 under the control of the electronic control unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a front-loading laundry washing machine which comprises an external structure (2) provided with a load opening for loading laundry to be washed into a wash tub (4), and a door ( 7) for closing the load opening which comprises a washing agent dispenser (8). A gasket (6) surrounding said load opening includes a passage for supplying water to the wash tub (4). At least one duct (10) used for conveying water toward the passage in the gasket (6) extends within the external structure (2) of the machine, between a first end and a second end. The duct (10) is secured to the structure in at least one point between said two ends.