Washer Pump Mount Structure for Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry treating apparatuses, such as drum washing machines, face challenges with narrow component installation spaces, high costs due to multiple components, and increased vibrations from the mounting of pump units.

Innovation Solution

A laundry treating apparatus design that integrates a pump unit with a mount directly coupling it to the cabinet, reducing vibrations and optimizing space for automatic injection devices, while minimizing the number of components to lower costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mounting plate and multiple screws are used to fasten the pump unit, then the pump unit is securely fixed, but the component installation space becomes narrow and the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixing of pump unitVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate and multiple screws are merged into a single integrated mount structure. The mount is formed as one piece with vibration-absorbing protrusions that directly engage with the pump unit housing, eliminating the need for separate fastening components while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated mount serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the pump unit, absorbs vibrations through its elastic protrusions, and eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count while improving reliability.

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

2Reliability

If a mounting plate with multiple screws is used, then the pump unit is firmly secured, but the installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixing of pump unitVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple discrete components (mounting plate and screws) are combined into a single integrated mount structure that can be manufactured as one piece through injection molding or similar processes, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated mount uses inexpensive elastic material (such as rubber or polymer) to create vibration-absorbing protrusions that provide secure fixation without requiring expensive metal fasteners, reducing overall component cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If multiple components (mounting plate and screws) are used, then the pump unit is securely fastened, but vibrations are not effectively reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixing of pump unitVSAvoidvibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mount incorporates elastic vibration-absorbing protrusions that are pre-designed to cushion and dampen vibrations before they can be transmitted to the pump unit housing. This beforehand cushioning prevents vibration-related problems rather than addressing them after they occur.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated mount combines rigid structural elements with elastic vibration-absorbing material in a single component. The rigid portions provide secure mechanical attachment while the elastic portions absorb vibrations, creating a composite structure that addresses both fixation and vibration reduction needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 reduces vibrations, secures installation space, and lowers costs by simplifying the component layout, enhancing the overall efficiency and affordability of the apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a mount coupled to the pump body and the cabinet to absorb vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3153707B1Laundry treating apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3153707B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3153707B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3153707B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a laundry treating apparatus in which vibrations are reduced. The laundry treating apparatus includes a tub (10) holding washing water, a drum rotatably disposed within the tub (10) and holding laundry, a nozzle (60) jetting the washing water to an interior of the drum, a pump unit (30) having a pump body (32), a drain pump (36) coupled to the pump body (32) and outwardly draining washing water introduced from the interior of the tub (10) to the pump body (32), and a circulation pump (34) coupled to the pump body (32) and supplying washing water introduced from the interior of the tub (10) to the pump body (32) to the nozzle (60), a cabinet (1) accommodating the tub (10), the drum, the nozzle (60), and the pump unit (30) therein, and a mount coupled to the pump body (32) and the cabinet (1) to absorb vibrations.