A clothes treating system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines require multiple operations to separate and wash different types of laundry, leading to prolonged usage even for small loads, as they typically have a single washer.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine design incorporating a front-loading type first washer and a top-loading type second washer, with a coupling structure between two housings to enable simultaneous operation, including a fixing bracket for reinforcement and a front cover for aesthetic and vibration-reducing purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single washer is used in the washing machine, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases as multiple operations are required to wash different types of laundry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a first washer and a second washer into a single integrated washing machine body, allowing multiple types of laundry to be washed simultaneously in different washers. This merging of multiple washing functions into one device increases productivity by eliminating the need for sequential operations while managing the complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a first washer and a second washer that can operate independently or simultaneously. This universal design allows the single device to handle various washing needs (different fabric types, temperatures, cycles) without requiring separate machines, thus improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a first housing and a second housing are coupled together to form multiple washers, then the productivity increases, but the stability of the coupling structure may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidcoupling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is segmented into a first housing and a second housing that are coupled together, with each housing containing a separate washer. This segmentation allows independent operation of each washer while maintaining overall system stability through proper coupling design, resolving the contradiction between productivity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A coupling structure acts as an intermediary between the first housing and the second housing, providing a stable connection that allows both washers to function simultaneously. The coupling structure mediates between the two housings, ensuring structural stability while enabling the productivity benefits of having multiple washers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3854931B1A clothes treating system
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3854931B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3854931B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3854931B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A washing machine including a plurality of washers may include a fixing bracket coupled to a front of a first housing in which a first tub is disposed and a front of a second housing in which a second tub is disposed, to prevent the first housing and the second housing from being separated from each other.