Washer Drum Suspension and Pressure Balancing for Larger Tubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type laundry machines face limitations in increasing washing capacity and efficiency due to vibration transmission and restricted size, which hampers the ability to enhance tub size and washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A new structural support system for the drum that suspends vibration, combined with an improved sealing mechanism to adjust pressure inside the tub, allowing for enlarged tub capacity and reduced vibration transmission, utilizing a pressure adjusting part and flexible support structures to prevent drum movement caused by pressure differences during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the tub size is increased to improve washing capacity, then the washing efficiency is improved, but the vibration transmission to the cabinet is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support function into two independent systems: the tub support system (via dampers and springs to the cabinet) and the drum support system (via suspension elements to the tub). This segmentation allows the tub to be enlarged for washing capacity while the drum vibration is independently managed, preventing vibration transmission to the cabinet even with a larger tub size.
2Productivity
If the tub size is increased to improve washing capacity, then the washing efficiency is improved, but the installation space requirement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic suspension elements (springs and dampers) between the drum and tub, and between the tub and cabinet. These dynamic elements allow for vibration isolation and space optimization, enabling the tub to be larger for improved washing capacity while maintaining compact installation dimensions through flexible support structures that adapt to space constraints.
3Productivity
If the drum rotation speed is increased to improve washing efficiency, then the washing efficiency is improved, but the pressure difference causing drum forward movement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary substance through air inlet holes in the drum wall. This air flow acts as a mediator to equalize pressure differences between the interior and exterior of the drum during high-speed rotation, preventing the pressure-induced forward movement while allowing the drum to rotate at high speeds for improved washing efficiency.
4Productivity
If the drum rotation speed is increased to improve washing efficiency, then the washing efficiency is improved, but the vibration generated is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air flow through the air inlet holes as an intermediary mechanism to reduce vibration during high-speed rotation. The air flow helps stabilize the drum's rotational dynamics and reduces pressure fluctuations that cause vibration, enabling high washing efficiency while minimizing harmful vibration effects.
5Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional drum support structure is used to reduce vibration, then the vibration transmission is reduced, but the washing capacity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support system into dual independent layers: tub-level support (dampers and springs connecting tub to cabinet) for vibration isolation, and drum-level support (suspension elements connecting drum to tub) for washing capacity optimization. This segmentation allows the drum to be larger for increased washing capacity while vibration is effectively isolated at the tub level, resolving the contradiction between vibration reduction and washing capacity enhancement.
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 solution effectively prevents drum vibration transmission to the tub, allows for increased tub capacity, and enhances washing efficiency by stabilizing pressure within the tub, reducing collisions and noise, while enabling larger tub dimensions within existing installation constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a first suspension element extending downward from the first suspension bracket and having a lower end connected to the bearing housing, a second suspension element extending downward from the second suspension bracket and having a lower end connected to the bearing housing
Implementation Method 2
The suspension unit includes vertical suspensions for suspending in the forward/rearward direction and horizontal suspensions for suspending in the rightward/leftward direction
Implementation Method 3
a pressure adjusting part provided in the tub to prevent forward movement of the drum generated by pressure difference during the rotation of the drum
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A laundry machine is disclosed, which includes a cabinet (600, 620, 630, 640) defining an external appearance thereof, the cabinet (600, 620, 630, 640) comprising a base (600), a tub (100, 120, 130) provided in the cabinet (600, 620, 630, 640), a drum (300, 320, 340) provided in the tub (100, 120, 130), the drum (300, 320, 340) rotatable with respect to the tub (100, 120, 130) and a pressure adjusting part provided in the tub (100, 120, 130) to prevent forward movement of the drum (300, 320, 340) generated by pressure difference during the rotation of the drum (300, 320, 340). As a result the laundry machine may improve capacity of the tub (100, 120, 130) and to prevent collision between the drum (300, 320, 340) and the tub (100, 120, 130) by adjusting the pressure inside the tub (100, 120, 130).