Drum Washer Shaft-Bearing Elastic Coupling for Creep Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drum type washing machines experience noise and vibration due to sliding between the rotary shaft and bearing, which is not effectively mitigated by conventional wave washers, leading to increased noise and vibration over time.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating at least one elastic member, such as an O-ring or annular leaf spring, between the rotary shaft and bearing to maintain a uniform gap and prevent sliding, ensuring both components rotate at the same speed and reducing frictional forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a wave washer is installed between the inner race of the bearing and the front-side step of the rotary shaft, then the gap between the bearing and rotary shaft is reduced, but the sliding between the bearing and rotary shaft is not fundamentally restrained, leading to insignificant noise and vibration reduction effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and vibrationVSAvoidsliding prevention effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastic member as an intermediary component between the rotary shaft and the bearing. This elastic member acts as a mediator that transmits frictional force from the bearing to the rotary shaft, enabling synchronized rotation. The intermediary component fundamentally solves the sliding problem that the wave washer could not address, as it creates a reliable force transmission path throughout the entire interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the interface between the rotary shaft and bearing by introducing an elastic member. This member alters the frictional characteristics and mechanical coupling parameters, transforming the system from one with relative sliding to one with synchronized rotation. The elastic properties of the member allow for parameter optimization in terms of force transmission and gap maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a wave washer is continuously compressed between the inner race of the bearing and the front-side step, then the gap is maintained, but the wave washer is permanently deformed over time, causing noise and vibration to increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap maintenanceVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the static, continuously compressed wave washer with a dynamic elastic member that can flexibly adapt to operational conditions. The elastic member maintains the necessary gap through its elastic properties rather than continuous compression, allowing it to deform elastically during operation and return to its original shape, thereby avoiding permanent deformation and extending service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing compressive forces through its elastic properties. This cushioning effect prevents the transmission of excessive compression forces that would cause permanent deformation, while still maintaining the required gap. The member absorbs shocks and variations in load, protecting the system from damage over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If a wave washer with wave-shaped ring structure is used, then the assembly is simple, but the frictional force providing effect is insignificant because friction is generated only at some regions where contact occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidfrictional force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the frictional force generation at the contact interface between the elastic member and the rotary shaft. The elastic member is designed to make contact with the rotary shaft at specific locations, creating localized high-friction zones that are sufficient to synchronize rotation. This localized approach maintains assembly simplicity while providing adequate frictional force through optimized contact geometry and material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Significantly reduces creep noise and vibration, enhances bearing durability, and maintains noise reduction over extended machine use without deforming the elastic members.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic member disposed between an outer diameter of the rotary shaft and an inner race of the bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8991222B2Washing machine

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a washing machine that is capable of increasing a frictional force between an outer diameter of a rotary shaft and an inner race of a bearing to prevent the sliding between the rotary shaft and the bearing due to a gap between the outer diameter of the rotary shaft and the inner race of the bearing, thereby preventing creep noise from the rotary shaft. The washing machine includes at least one elastic member disposed between the outer diameter of the rotary shaft and the inner race of the bearing to prevent noise due to the sliding between the rotary shaft and the bearing.