02.12.2024
Washing machines are a source of structure borne noise. Structure borne noise passes through the adjustment legs to the surroundings, and it can be a very disturbing source of noise in many buildings. We have developed a new type of vibration isolation platform for the washing machine structure borne noise. The platform has been tested in a two-story wooden house, where washing machine structure borne noise was an issue. Today with the InfiniSpring Vibration Isolation Platform the washing machine can be operated even at nighttime and the residents can sleep in peace.
The vibration isolation platform utilizes InfiniSpring steel spring isolators. The steel spring isolators are laser cut sheet metal components. Steel spring design is unique and offers new design possibilities. In the developed vibration isolation platform separate InfiniSpring-springs were used. In this case the dryer was sitting on top of the washing machine and the vibration isolation platform was dimensioned below the units. Washing machine weight was estimated to be around 70 kg, drier weight 52 kg and laundry weight 11 kg. Total weight being 70 + 52 + 11kg = 133 kg. InfiniSpring 4HS35 spring is for a load range of 25-35 kg. Five 4HS35 springs were chosen to be installed below the units and five springs are for a load range of 125 kg -175 kg. Two 60 cm x 60 cm x 2,7 cm plywood boards were connected using the springs to build the vibration isolation platform. Lower plywood was equipped with adjustment feet to align the vibration isolation platform.
In this case the washing machine vibration and noise transmission to the surroundings is greatly reduced with the vibration isolation platform manufactured using the plywood boards. Vibration isolation platform is light weight and allows easy alignment in the bathrooms. There is also no need to align the washing machine as the platform will take care of the alignment. Please see the vibration isolation platform pictures below describing the assembly.
Step 1: Install adjustment feet to lower plywood
Step 2: Align the lower plywood to washing machine location using the adjustment feet, picture below.
Step 3: Adjust offset between the lower and upper plywood by using e.g. laths above the lower plywood, picture below. Please also see the laths in Step 4 between the lower and upper plywood before spring installation.
Step 4: Calculate and mark the spring locations symmetrically around the center of gravity (washing machine depth direction), picture below.
Calculation:
- Plywood depth is 60 cm
- One spring is installed to the front in this case (spring on the right in below picture), spring location is 30 cm from the middle
- Two springs are installed 50 cm from the front, spring locations are 20 cm from the middle
- Remaining two springs can be calculated from the middle: 20 cm + 20 cm = 30 cm + X + X, X = 5 cm and springs are installed 5 cm from the middle
Step 5: Install the springs using recommended Datasheet wood screws and washers, picture below.
Step 6: Install vibration isolation platform below the washing machine, finalized vibration isolation platform shown in picture below.
Step 7: Washing machine is ready for operation, picture below.
