Damper and washing machine having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face challenges in effectively damping vibrations, particularly during the spin-dry cycle, as existing dampers either fail to adjust damping force adequately across different rotation speeds or complicate the structure with multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A damper system with a plunger, rod, and housing, featuring a switching device that adjusts frictional contact based on voltage application, allowing the rod and housing to couple and decouple, thereby varying the damping force according to rotation speed, is introduced. This system includes a friction member between the housing and plunger, and a solenoid actuator to control the coupling member, enabling efficient vibration suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dampers are used to dampen vibrations, then vibration suppression is achieved, but the structure becomes complex with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rod and housing into a unified structure where the rod is movably inserted through the housing, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms. This integration reduces the number of components while maintaining the vibration damping function through the friction member that contacts the plunger's outer circumferential surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the rod's movement, and houses the friction member that contacts the plunger. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall structure while ensuring reliable vibration suppression.
2Reliability
If the machine's appearance is enlarged to accommodate vibration suppression components, then vibration damping capability is improved, but the available space for laundry capacity remains reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is nested within the housing, and the friction member is positioned within the housing to contact the plunger. This nested arrangement allows the damping components to be compactly integrated without increasing the overall external dimensions of the washing machine, preserving laundry capacity while providing effective vibration damping.
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 damper system effectively reduces vibrations and noise in washing machines by adjusting damping force based on rotation speed, allowing for a simpler structure and increased laundry capacity without enlarging the machine's appearance, while minimizing the risk of damage to components.
Implementation Method 1
a friction member arranged between the housing and the plunger to contact an outer circumferential surface of the plunger
Implementation Method 2
a coil spring having one end supported on the case and the other end supported on the supporting member
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes a water tub arranged in a case and a damper installed between the case and the water tub for damping vibrations of the water tub. The damper includes a plunger having one end supported on the case; a rod having one end supported on the water tub and the other end movably inserted to the plunger; a housing arranged to wrap around some of the plunger and the rod and including a friction member arranged between the housing and the plunger to contact an outer circumferential surface of the plunger; and a switching device configured to be in a first state in which the rod is coupled to the housing and able to move within the plunger along with the housing and a second state in which the rod is decoupled from the housing and able to move solely within the plunger.