Top-Load Washer Tub Support Structure for Compact Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry apparatuses with large capacities are inefficient for sorting and washing small loads, leading to increased energy consumption and vibration issues due to limited space, which complicates the application of conventional suspension systems.
Innovation Solution
A top load type laundry apparatus with a support unit that includes a first and second support portion connected by a connection bar, reinforced with a friction material and pocket to prevent position variability, effectively damping vibrations without the need for springs, ensuring stable support and efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the tub height is reduced to fit in compact spaces, then the laundry apparatus can be placed under other appliances and save space, but the space between the tub and housing becomes too small to accommodate conventional spring suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component from the suspension system entirely. Instead of using a spring-based suspension, the invention employs a direct support structure with vibration damping elements that connect the tub to the housing, eliminating the need for spring components and reducing overall height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional spring-based mechanical suspension system with a support structure that uses vibration damping elements and friction-based connection portions. This substitution eliminates the need for springs while maintaining vibration damping functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If the tub capacity is increased to handle larger laundry loads, then the washing capacity improves, but the vibration and load on the suspension structure become larger
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion uses a composite structure combining rigid support elements with friction-based damping materials. This composite approach allows the suspension structure to handle increased loads and vibrations from larger tub capacities while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful vibration effects into beneficial friction forces. The connection portion is designed to utilize friction between components to dampen vibrations, transforming the potentially harmful vibrational energy into heat through friction, thereby protecting the suspension structure from excessive stress.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional spring suspension is used in a compact tub design, then vibration damping may be achieved, but the structural safety and stability are compromised under increased load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces friction-based connection portions as intermediary elements between the tub and support structure. These connection portions use friction to dampen vibrations while distributing loads across multiple contact points, enhancing structural safety and reliability under increased loads.
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 dampens both horizontal and vertical vibrations, stabilizes the tub under increased loads, and optimizes space for improved energy efficiency and reduced vibration-related damage.
Implementation Method 1
a reinforcement unit provided to prevent the position of the connection portion from being variable by contacting or causing friction with a surface of the connection portion
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry apparatus includes a housing; a tub; a drum rotatably located in the tub and configured to receive clothes; a drive unit configured to rotate the drum; and a plurality of support units located at the housing and configured to support the tub and to reduce vibration of the tub. Each of the plurality of support units extends in a direction parallel to a height direction of the tub and includes a first support portion located at the tub, a second support portion located at the housing vertically above the first support portion, a connection portion that connects the first support portion and the second support portion to each other, and a reinforcement unit that is configured to contact a surface of the connection portion and that is configured to restrict variation of a position of the connection portion.