Washing Machine Friction Damper With Single-Lining Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing friction dampers, particularly those used in washing machines, are expensive to manufacture and lack cost-effective production methods.
Innovation Solution
A friction damper design featuring a housing with a central longitudinal axis, a plunger with a continuous window for a friction lining, and fastening elements, allowing for adjustable attenuation characteristics and the use of a single friction lining for two surfaces, reducing production costs and improving performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rectangular housing with multiple friction linings is used, then the damping function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost is extremely expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple friction linings into a single friction lining that contacts opposite housing walls simultaneously. This single friction lining performs the damping function that previously required multiple separate linings, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the damping reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single friction lining is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides friction contact with both opposite housing walls simultaneously, creating damping effects in multiple directions without requiring separate friction linings for each surface. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed
2Reliability
If multiple friction linings are used for friction on multiple surfaces, then the damping performance is sufficient, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple friction lining functions into one integrated friction lining component that contacts opposite housing walls. This single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate friction linings, simplifying the device structure while maintaining adequate damping performance
Solution Approach 2:
The friction lining is designed to extend across the housing interior such that it simultaneously contacts opposite walls, effectively using the spatial dimension of the housing interior to achieve multi-surface friction contact with a single component rather than requiring multiple discrete linings
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 design enables flexible setting of attenuation characteristics, reduces production costs, and enhances the running properties and acoustics of washing machines by minimizing ground forces and improving friction build-up control.
Implementation Method 1
at least one friction lining, arranged in the at least one friction lining recess and in frictional contact with opposite housing walls
Data Source
AI summary
Damper, in particular for washing machines with a spin cycle, with a housing having a central longitudinal axis and at least partially encompassing a housing interior by housing walls, a plunger displaceable in the housing along the central longitudinal axis, guided out of the housing and having at least one friction lining recess, fastening elements, arranged on open ends of the housing and the plunger, and at least one friction lining, arranged in the at least one friction lining recess and in frictional contact with opposite housing walls.