Washing Machine Motor Mounting Structure for Tub Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines generate noise due to the direct coupling of the stator to the tub, which effectively transfers vibration and results in increased noise levels.

Innovation Solution

A mounting member is introduced between the stator and the bearing housing to reduce vibration transmission, using stator and bearing couplers that distribute and absorb vibration, thereby decoupling the direct connection between the stator and the tub.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the stator is directly coupled to the bearing housing that is inserted into the tub, then the motor can be compactly integrated, but vibration is effectively transferred to the tub generating noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor integrationVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A mounting member is introduced as an intermediary component between the stator and the bearing housing. This mounting member includes a stator coupler that couples to the stator and bearing couplers that couple to the bearing housing, creating a decoupling mechanism that prevents direct vibration transfer while maintaining structural integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting member is divided into multiple functional segments: a stator coupler portion that interfaces with the stator, bearing coupler portions that interface with the bearing housing, and connecting portions that link them. This segmentation allows each part to independently handle specific vibration frequencies and transmission paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the stator is directly coupled to the tub, then the structure is simple, but vibration transmission increases causing noise and potential malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidvibration-related malfunctions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting member serves as a mediator between the stator and bearing housing, incorporating damping features and flexible connecting portions that reduce vibration transmission. This intermediary structure prevents vibration-related malfunctions while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting member includes built-in vibration damping capabilities through its flexible connecting portions and coupler design, providing beforehand cushioning against vibration shocks before they can reach the tub and cause malfunctions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a mounting member with stator and bearing couplers is introduced, then vibration transmission is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidmounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting member merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides stator mounting, bearing housing coupling, vibration damping, and structural support all in one piece, reducing the need for multiple separate components and fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a vibration isolation element, structural support, and mounting interface for both the stator and bearing housing, making it a universal solution for multiple requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the transmission of vibration from the stator to the tub, leading to a decrease in noise generation and preventing potential malfunctions caused by vibration-related issues.

Implementation Method 1

a mounting member, which is disposed between the stator and the bearing housing and supports the stator, wherein the mounting member includes a plurality of bearing couplers coupled to the bearing housing and a plurality of stator couplers disposed between the plurality of bearing couplers and configured to connect the plurality of bearing couplers and fix the stator, thereby reducing vibration transferred from the stator to the tub

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2093320B1Washing machine
Publication Date: 2015.04.01 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2093320B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2093320B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2093320B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A washing machine in accordance with the present invention includes a mounting member (190) disposed between a stator (150) and a bearing housing (172). Thus, when a motor (140) is rotated according to an operation of the washing machine, the transmission of vibration, which is generated by a repulsive force of the stator (150), to the bearing housing (172) can be reduced efficiently. Accordingly, a tub coupled to the bearing housing can be prevented from vibrating due to the vibration of the stator (150), and noise due to the vibration of the tub can be reduced.