On the problem of oscillatory walk of automatic washing machines

Walk of horizontal and vertical axis washers was investigated using rudimentary dynamic models of these washing machine systems. The models predict the qualitatively observed characteristics of walk. The results obtained in this study explain why the vertical axis washer typically exhibits an oscillatory walk behavior in place while the horizontal axis washer exhibits an unstable walk behavior in the sense that the oscillating machine will move steadily in a direction dictated by the rotational direction of the basket. Design criteria for avoidance of walk in automatic washing machines are discussed. (C) 1995 Academic Press Limited