Fort Smith, Arkansas Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
SSW Advanced Technologies LLC has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for their innovative counterweight assembly. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11932981, titled ‘Counterweight assembly and method of manufacturing the same’, introduces a novel approach to enhancing appliance stability.
The patented counterweight assembly comprises a body with an internal cavity designed to hold heavy aggregate material, counteracting vibrations in appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators. A distinctive feature is the integrated funnel that extends outwardly from the body, facilitating the efficient delivery of the heavy material into the cavity during manufacturing. This design streamlines the assembly process and ensures consistent weight distribution.
What sets this invention apart is the funnel’s unique structure, which includes diverging walls that guide the aggregate material precisely into the cavity. This innovation not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also improves the overall performance and longevity of appliances by reducing vibrations and enhancing balance.
SSW Advanced Technologies LLC’s inventive counterweight assembly represents a significant advancement in appliance design, offering practical benefits for both manufacturers and consumers. By addressing the common issue of vibration in household appliances, this patent paves the way for quieter, more durable, and efficient products in the market.
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