Clothing washing, drying, and folding machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laundry processes are time-consuming, require multiple machines, and often result in lost or misplaced clothing items, leading to increased expenses and frustration.

Innovation Solution

A single device that automates the entire laundry process, integrating a washing and drying unit with a folding unit, utilizing a clothing track system for seamless transfer and a hanger mechanism for efficient folding and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple machines are used for washing and drying laundry, then the cleaning function is achieved, but the device complexity and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning functionVSAvoidnumber of machines

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a washing machine and dryer into a single integrated appliance. The washing machine includes a washing drum and a dryer drum that share a common drive mechanism and control system, allowing both cleaning and drying functions to be performed by one device rather than requiring separate machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single appliance is designed to perform multiple functions: washing clothes in the washing drum and drying clothes in the dryer drum. The system can operate independently in each mode or sequentially, providing versatile laundry care capabilities in one universal device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If manual washing and drying processes are used, then the task can be completed, but the time required and effort involved increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry process completionVSAvoidlaundry processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine and dryer are designed as fully automated appliances that perform washing and drying operations without requiring manual intervention. Users simply load clothes, select programs, and the machines automatically complete the entire washing or drying cycle, eliminating the need for hand-washing or manual drying processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The appliances are equipped with automatic water heating systems that preheat water before washing, and automatic drum rotation systems that prepare for operation. These preliminary automated actions reduce the overall processing time and effort required compared to manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If clothing is transferred between multiple machines, then the laundry process can be completed, but the risk of misplacing or losing articles increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry process completionVSAvoidclothing retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the washing machine and dryer into a single appliance with a shared drum system, the patent eliminates the need to transfer clothes between separate washing and drying machines. Clothes remain in the same drum throughout the washing and drying cycles, completely preventing loss during transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Extent of automation

If a single device performs washing, drying, and folding, then the automation level increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry process automationVSAvoiddevice manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single appliance is divided into distinct functional modules: a washing drum section, a dryer drum section, and a folding mechanism section. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete automated laundry system, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The folding mechanism is integrated within the drum structure, with folding arms and sensors nested inside the drum assembly. This nested design allows the folding function to be incorporated without significantly increasing the external dimensions or manufacturing complexity of the main appliance body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10801148B2Clothing washing, drying, and folding machine

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 TOWNER KEVIN

AI summary

A clothing washing, drying, and folding machine that automates the entire laundry process includes a washing and drying unit and a folding unit. The washing and drying unit has a plurality of pressurized nozzles for directing a cleaning solution, derived from a water feed and a detergent feed, onto articles of clothing. A plurality of heating vents is then used to dry the articles of clothing. The folding unit has a folding machine that is then used to fold the articles of clothing. A clothing track system is utilized to hang the articles of clothing and transfer the articles of clothing from the washing and drying unit to the folding unit. The clothing track system includes a plurality of hanger supports dispersed along a guide rail, wherein each of the plurality of hanger supports may receive a clothing hanger.