Optimization of a Horizontal Washing Machine Suspension System: Studying a 7 DOF Dynamic Model Using a Genetic Algorithm Through a Bounding Box Fitness Function

This study addresses the optimization process of a horizontal washing machine suspension modeled after a dynamic 7 DOF model.

A dynamical model of a horizontal washing machine is built. A simple genetic algorithm is applied to determine the optimal parameters for damping, stiffness, and position of the suspension elements by minimizing the weighted fitness function. The fitness function uses the bounding box to enclose the kinematic data of the washing machine mass center and minimize them. Finally, the Bode diagrams were used to evaluate the general aspect of the genetic algorithm performance.

The results show remarkable improvements in the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the center of mass of the washing machine, drastically reducing vibrations and reducing the time needed to reach the final spin speed.