Double-tub laundry device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual-cylinder washing apparatuses fail to achieve independent air drying during partitioned washing, leading to bacterial growth and secondary pollution issues.

Innovation Solution

A dual-cylinder washing apparatus with independent air drying systems for each cylinder assembly, utilizing blocking mechanisms and fans to control air inflow and outflow pipelines, and wind detection devices to ensure proper ventilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single vent structure is used for both front and rear vents, then the product structure layout is simplified, but external dirt can easily enter the drum washing machine from the rear vent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct structure layoutVSAvoidexternal dirt entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vent structure is divided into separate front vent and rear vent components, each with independent blocking mechanisms. This segmentation allows the front vent to be optimized for air drying functionality while the rear vent can be specifically designed for blocking external dirt entry, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and protection against harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If both front and rear vent structures are arranged to block vents separately, then external dirt entry is prevented, but the product structure layout complexity increases and design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal dirt entryVSAvoidproduct structure layout

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking mechanisms for front and rear vents are designed as universal components that can be integrated into a unified control system. This multi-functionality approach allows separate vent blocking capabilities while maintaining relatively simple overall structure through standardized component design and centralized control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If air drying is performed using external air through the outer cylinder, then the outer cylinder and inner cylinder are air dried, but external dirt can enter the drum washing machine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair drying effectivenessVSAvoidexternal dirt entry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A controlled air intake system with filtering or blocking mechanisms is introduced as an intermediary between external air and the drum interior. This intermediary allows air to pass through for drying purposes while blocking external dirt particles, resolving the contradiction between effective air drying and prevention of dirt entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If natural drying is used by opening door glass, then the outer cylinder and window gasket are dried, but the wrinkle part of the window gasket prevents effective water vapor release and drying is very limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying operation simplicityVSAvoiddrying effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The natural convection-based drying mechanism is replaced with an active mechanical air circulation system using fans and controlled air flow pathways. This substitution provides reliable and efficient drying by forcing air through the drum and window gasket areas, overcoming the limitations of natural drying while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables simultaneous partitioned washing and independent air drying of each cylinder assembly, reducing product complexity and preventing bacterial growth, thereby enhancing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

flowing air can enter the outer cylinder and air dry an inner surface of the outer cylinder and an outer surface of the inner cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the first blocking mechanism is arranged to be capable of blocking the first air inflow pipeline and the first air outflow pipeline from the outside simultaneously

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical blocking: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS12503810B2Double-tub laundry device

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 QINGDAO HAIER WASHING ELECTRIC APPLIANCES CO LTD

AI summary

A double-tub laundry device includes a first tub assembly, a second tub assembly, a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, a first fan, and a second fan. The first valve assembly includes a first blocking mechanism and a first valve casing having a first air inlet chamber and a first air outlet chamber; the first blocking mechanism is configured to block both a first air inlet pipe and a first air outlet pipe from the outside; the second valve assembly includes a second blocking mechanism and a second valve casing having a second air inlet chamber and a second air outlet chamber; and the second blocking mechanism is configured to block both a second air inlet pipe and a second air outlet pipe from the outside. Embodiments achieve partitioned washing of the double-tub drum washing machine and independent air drying of each tub assembly.