Dual-Chamber Laundry Machine Layout With Single-Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry machines lack enhanced laundering efficiency and an improved overall exterior appearance, with limited functionality in separate treatment spaces for main and auxiliary laundry operations.

Innovation Solution

A laundry machine with a cabinet partitioned into two treatment spaces, featuring a rotatable drum in one space and an air supply unit in the other, along with dual course selection parts and a single power supply for independent operation of each space, allowing users to customize treatments and display information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If laundry machines are designed with separate treatment spaces for main and auxiliary laundry operations, then laundering efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to multiple course selection parts and power supply systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaundering efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single power supply unit is designed to universally power multiple driving parts (drum motor, heater, fan motor) through a unified control system. The control unit integrates course selection for both first and second treating spaces, allowing one power supply to serve multiple functions and spaces, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining enhanced laundering efficiency

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual course selection parts are provided for independent operation of each space, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to potential random selection conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit incorporates a feedback mechanism that detects when both first and second course selection parts are randomly selected. Upon detecting this conflict, the system provides feedback by memorizing the later selection and preventing conflicting operations, thereby resolving the randomness issue and improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single power supply is used for multiple driving parts, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may worsen due to potential power conflicts when both spaces operate simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically manages power distribution from the single power supply based on operational conditions. When both first and second treating spaces are selected for operation, the control unit activates only one driving part at a time, preventing power conflicts and ensuring reliable operation. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt power allocation in real-time, maintaining reliability while using a single power supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2113604B1Laundry machine
Publication Date: 2012.03.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2113604B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2113604B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2113604B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A laundry machine includes a first laundry treatment apparatus (11), second laundry treatment apparatus (13) including an air supply unit (40), a first course selection part (50) for a user to select a treating course for the first laundry treatment apparatus (11), and a second course selection part (60) provided together with the first course selection part (50), the second course selection part (60) for the user to select a treating course for the second laundry treatment apparatus (13).