Dual-Chamber Laundry Machine for Small Loads and Delicates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry machines are inefficient for washing small amounts of laundry, as they consume excessive energy and water, and are unsuitable for delicate items due to their large capacity and fixed washing cycles, leading to increased washing time and potential dirt fixation when clothes are left unwashed for long periods.

Innovation Solution

A multiple laundry machine system comprising multiple machines within a single casing, allowing for separate washing operations based on laundry type, with one machine holding laundry in a fixed state and the other applying a rotating force, featuring a controller for simultaneous or independent operation, and a water reuse system to conserve resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large-capacity washing machine is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the washing machine can handle various laundry volumes, but energy consumption increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry volume adaptabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is divided into two separate washing chambers: a large-capacity first washing machine for bulk laundry and a small-capacity second washing machine for small amounts or delicate items. This segmentation allows each chamber to operate at optimal capacity, reducing energy waste when washing small loads while maintaining the ability to handle various laundry volumes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large-capacity washing machine is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the washing machine can handle various laundry volumes, but water consumption increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry volume adaptabilityVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is divided into two separate washing chambers: a large-capacity first washing machine for bulk laundry and a small-capacity second washing machine for small amounts or delicate items. This segmentation allows each chamber to operate at optimal capacity, reducing water waste when washing small loads while maintaining the ability to handle various laundry volumes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large-capacity washing machine is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the washing machine can handle various laundry volumes, but washing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry volume adaptabilityVSAvoidwashing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is divided into two separate washing chambers: a large-capacity first washing machine for bulk laundry and a small-capacity second washing machine for small amounts or delicate items. This segmentation allows each chamber to operate at optimal capacity, reducing washing time for small loads while maintaining the ability to handle various laundry volumes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a large-capacity washing machine is used to wash delicate clothes, then the washing machine can handle all types of laundry, but the washing course is unsuitable for delicate items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry type versatilityVSAvoidwashing suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is divided into two separate washing chambers: a large-capacity first washing machine for general laundry and a small-capacity second washing machine specifically suited for delicate items. Each chamber can be equipped with appropriate washing courses and mechanical action levels, ensuring optimal care for different laundry types while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Use of energy by moving object

If laundry is left unwashed for several days to accumulate enough for one washing cycle, then energy consumption is reduced, but dirt becomes fixed to the clothes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddirt fixation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is divided into two separate washing chambers: a large-capacity first washing machine for bulk laundry and a small-capacity second washing machine for small amounts or delicate items. This segmentation enables users to wash small amounts of laundry immediately using the second chamber, preventing dirt fixation while avoiding the energy waste of running a large machine for small loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8468860B2Multiple laundry machine

Publication Date: 2013.06.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A multiple laundry machine is provided. The multiple laundry machine may include multiple washing spaces capable of separately washing relatively small amounts of laundry in each. The multiple laundry machine may include a casing, and a plurality of individual laundry machines arranged in the casing. Each of the individual laundry machines provided in the casing may conduct washing operations in a different manner so as to provide washing capability of different sizes and types of loads.