Appliance panel with increased natural frequency
AssigneeWhirlpool Corporation
InventorsRick A. Schneider, Steven R. Fricke, Michael S. Short, James R. Sawyer, Phillip E. Lindeman, Michael R. Carey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A side panel for a fabric care appliance is described. The side panel includes an embossed pattern for increasing a first natural frequency (or first harmonic) of the side panel. Preferably, the first natural frequency is substantially higher than any ordinary operating frequency or driving frequency of the appliance. For example, in a washing machine, the first natural frequency of the side panel is preferably at least 1.6 times greater than the maximum rotational frequency of a drum or tumbler of the machine.
Claims27
An appliance having a maximum driving frequency comprising:
- a panel attached to the appliance, the panel having a first natural frequency that is greater than the maximum driving frequency of the appliance.
A washing machine comprising:
- a rotatable drum having a maximum rotational frequency;
- a panel having a first natural frequency that is greater than the maximum rotational frequency of the rotatable drum.
A method of operating an appliance with a rotatable drum comprising:
- rotating the drum at a maximum rotational frequency that is less than a first natural frequency of an attached side panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.