Washing Machine Lower Balancer Assembly Using Single Fastening Member

Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing process and cost of top loading washing machines are increased due to the additional fastening means and processes required for fixing the lower balancer to the drum, which complicates the assembly and increases production time.

Innovation Solution

A fastening structure that directly couples the tub base, lower balancer, and hub without the need for an additional fastening member, using a single integrated fastening bolt that passes through all components, simplifying the assembly and reducing the number of parts and manufacturing steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional fastening means and processes are used to fix the lower balancer to the drum, then the reliability of vibration reduction is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration reduction reliabilityVSAvoidfastening structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lower balancer and hub member into a single integrated assembly that is fastened to the drum as one unit. The fastening member simultaneously secures both components to the drum, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and reducing the number of fastening members required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hub member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mounting structure for the lower balancer and as the component that receives power transmission from the motor. By designing the hub member to perform both functions, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components and fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional fastening means and processes are used to fix the lower balancer to the drum, then the reliability of vibration reduction is improved, but the productivity decreases due to increased manufacturing time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration reduction reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lower balancer and hub member into a single integrated assembly that is fastened to the drum as one unit. The fastening member simultaneously secures both components to the drum, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and reducing the number of fastening members required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower balancer is pre-assembled with the hub member before being mounted to the drum. This preliminary assembly allows the fastening process to be performed in a single operation during drum assembly, rather than requiring additional fastening steps after the drum is already installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If additional fastening means and processes are used to fix the lower balancer to the drum, then the reliability of vibration reduction is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration reduction reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lower balancer and hub member into a single integrated assembly that is fastened to the drum as one unit. The fastening member simultaneously secures both components to the drum, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and reducing the number of fastening members required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hub member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mounting structure for the lower balancer and as the component that receives power transmission from the motor. By designing the hub member to perform both functions, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components and fastening operations.

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 reduces the manufacturing process steps and costs by eliminating the need for extra fastening members, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the assembly process while maintaining vibration reduction capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a lower balancer coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the tub base and configured to reduce vibration generated by rotation of the drum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS11932980B2Washing machine having lower balancer

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A washing machine includes a lower balancer assembled by a fastening member that connects a hub and tub base, thereby reducing manufacturing process and manufacturing cost. The fastening member passes through the tub base and the lower balancer and is coupled to the hub.